Gone, but not Forgotten

This past Monday, my parents had to prepare to make a really hard decision.  Several years ago, my mom came home with a St. Bernard that she had rescued.  Sabrina became one of our family.  

In my family growing up, we had never owned a dog that large.  My step-dad was familiar with Saints because his kids had one growing up.  Sabrina fell right into our family as if she had been there forever and became our sweet, lovable girl.  Every time we'd visit my mom's house she'd fall at your feet exposing that belly of hers to suck up all the love you were willing to give her.  She was the protector of the home, always watching guard and despite her lovable demeanor, she had a serious bark if a stranger approached their house.  Over the years after she was a part of the home, several cats were brought in as rescue animals and remain to this day as a family pet in their home.  Sabrina accepted all of the new babies that came into their home and was watchful of them as they grew from kittens and allowed them to play around her with a very sweet, gentle spirit.

She was always eager when my step-dad arrived home from work for that W.A.L.K....and that's just how they had to talk.  She was a super smart dog and knew what the word "walk" meant.  She appeared in several parades with her keg and bells for the Christmas holidays.  She even went door to door in an Angel costume to collect donations for the animals effected by the hurricanes when Katrina & Rita blew through.

After the birth of my son, Donovan stayed the night several times at my mom's house and she would tell me how Sabrina would lay by the bassinet to watch guard over him while he slept.  

As she has aged, like most large dogs experience, she developed arthritis and joint issues in her hips.  Monday night (6/25/12) my mom had problems getting her in the house because her back end was giving out on her.  The next morning they had to make the call to take her in because she was in enough pain and the vets could not do anything more for the deterioration of her muscles and joints.   She had an amazing life with my mom & step-dad.  They spoiled her endlessly and she was well traveled.  We will always remember this sweet pup and the love she gave our family.  You are no longer here Sabrina, but you will never be forgotten.