Our sweet Sugar crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 26, 2016. Mama Harriette wrote a beautiful tribute to this precious girl. Sugar, you will forever be in our hearts.
People often ask me how I can deal with the loss of our House with a Heart residents time and time again. To be perfectly honest, there are times when I wonder about that, too. Each and every one of them is so very special. The past few months have been especially difficult for us; we’ve had to make that terribly painful decision to part with so many of our “babies” because it would be selfish not to do so. After all, the quality of life of our residents has to be first and foremost in our minds or we wouldn’t be doing what we’ve promised them we would do.
Today we lost our Sugar. This fifteen-year old, four-pound Mi-Ki stole our hearts from day one. Her fur was as soft as a rabbit’s and her dark eyes were so big and bright. She had lost her bottom jaw to the ravages of dental disease and she always looked like she was smiling, the tip of her tongue peeking through. She never made a sound, but certainly was adept at letting her wishes be known. If she didn’t want to be bothered, her toothless mouth would try to nip your finger and, when it was breakfast or dinner time she would act like a crazy girl. You just couldn’t help but smile at this tiny clown.
We all loved her so. But, there was one person whose heart Sugar completely captured. Frances, an incredibly loving and gentle lady, adored that little girl so! It was so touching to see these two together. Frances loved taking Sugar on “adventures” in the car to the park or the pet store, or to McDonald’s for a hamburger and would return to tell us how Sugar enjoyed looking out the car window or exploring the aisles of the pet store. These times were so special for both of them. And when Sugar’s chronic digestive issues resulted in a loss of appetite, Frances would make her special meatballs which were the only things she would gobble up.
Tragically, Sugar’s health has been in rapid decline. All of her systems were failing and we knew it was her time. Frances asked if she could take her special friend to the vet one final time. She asked that she be permitted to take Sugar alone. And there Frances bid farewell to the little dog she loved so well.
In this time of grief and sadness, there’s still much to be thankful for. How fortunate our Sanctuary is to have so many wonderful people caring about our residents. And we are so grateful to them all.
Frances we love you. Sugar, you’ll always be with us. Run free over the Bridge, little one.
Mama Harriette