My First Dog, Sadie Sue Rose

Today I have some bad news.  My dog, Sadie, passed away after nearly 13 wonderful and happy years.  My family and I picked up Sadie when she was 8 weeks old.  I remember when I picked her from the litter.  She was lying on the bark dust with her back to the grass and was very tranquil.  Little did we know she’d become one of the most energetic of the litter!  I had her by my side during her first few weeks at our house, and repeatedly took her out front in the middle of the night so she could relieve herself.  For our first family dog, I think she turned out to be a wonderful dog.  Actually, I know she did.  She brought so much enjoyment into not only our lives, but friends and complete strangers. 

This is especially hard for me since she is the first and only dog I have ever owned, it’s very hard to come to the realization that I wont get to come home to her and have her greet me at the door.  This is a feeling that many people have gone through in their lives, and now I can finally say I know what it feels like.  It’s horrible.   

Sadie was the ultimate companion, and like most dogs, she knew how to look extremely sad and give you a guilt trip anytime you attempted to leave without her.  She has been backpacking, camping, whitewater rafting, among many other activities.  So needless to say, when she was out and about, she was in her element.  Early on, if there was a log in her way, or a river crossing she was worried about, I would leave her on her own and continue on a bit to teach her to be resourceful and not always require help from others except of course in extreme circumstances.

I remember one time in particular.  On the Washougal River in Washington State, my friends and I were tubing down a rapid called the “Big Eddy.” Sadie nervously looked on as we began our descent down the rapids, and she couldn’t help but jump out to get to us.  The rapids began sweeping downriver but she quickly found a small bundle of rocks that she latched on to.  Some people tried to help her and I told them not to, I wanted her to get out of the mess she had gotten herself into by herself.  The water wasn’t very deep so I stood up and encouraged her to get up and make her way back, and after about 3-5 minutes, she finally got herself up and swam back to safety and later met us down at the bottom of the rapids.  This time, she chose the safer route (down the rocks on the side of the rapid), and never again did she make the same mistake.

Sadie was a fighter, a very tough Golden Retriever.  Nothing will ever replace her.  I will likely have other pets in the future.  But I will never forget Sadie Sue Rose. She will always be in our hearts. 

I’ll always love you Sadie, thank you for teaching me how to love and for always comforting me and making me smile no matter what mood I was in.