My Dog Spirit

Spirit is a senior rescue Australian Shepherd/Husky mix. I don't know how much time she has left, but this Tumblr is dedicated to journaling each day I get to have with her. 

[mydogspirit]

Let go of Spirit's ashes this morning.

I'm moving to a new state and starting a new job next month. Figured her ashes should stay in California since this is life I know she knew.

I waited until high tide rushed through and swallowed up her biodegradable box. I hope this little bit if her becomes part of nature where we had sunny memories. Beach naps. Barking for safety (she was most concerned when other dogs would splash around). And sandwiches on our blanket.

[mydogspirit]

Retiring this Tumblr

I'll leave up all the posts and pictures but don't plan to continue posting since this account has served its purpose.

I miss Spirit a lot. Still getting used to not having her home when I return from work. I will probably have another dog someday, but never another like Spirit.

If you'd like to follow along on my original Tumblr, you can find me at @notthatmirandajuly

Good night 💙

[mydogspirit]

Thanks to friends and family for all the kind words this week. Spirit had a happy life as my roommate and beach buddy. The end was peaceful for her and that's all I could ask for. Thankful for every snooze, "boof", cuddle, and photo. 💙

[mydogspirit]

One more beach day for my girl

[mydogspirit]

Sad News

My girl is not doing well. Age and wear and tear and kidney disease have all caught up with her. We had a vet appt this past weekend and things looked hopeful. But her health and her mobility have taken a turn for the worse.

Tonight we are cozy with a blanket and a bacon snack. I am on the floor next to her bed and doing my best to let her know she's not alone. I just want her to be as comfortable as possible.

I don't think she is going to make it to Friday. I am so grateful for the ten months I've had her. I hope she has felt safe, happy, comfortable, and loved.

Thanks for letting me be your person for a little while, Spirit girl. You're the best good bear.

[mydogspirit]

Tiny angel right here. I am so grateful for her little presence. I'm so lucky to have her.

[mydogspirit]

8/17/19

We are locked out 🤦‍♀️

The one time I don't bring my keys with me on our morning walk. It's windy here, which is rare, and the wind actually blew our door shut (which automatically locks when closed).

We are in a shady spot. She has water and treats. I have no keys and no coffee.

And the locksmith will come in an hour.

Pajama party on a courtyard bench.

My poor girl is a trooper.

[mydogspirit]

Smoosh Bear <3

[mydogspirit]

👸 of ear rubs

[mydogspirit]

She caught me trying to snap a photo of her cute paw action sleep pose. I love her so much.

[mydogspirit]

Most tired <3

[mydogspirit]

Turns out this one has a spinal column bruise. Taking it easy until she's all healed in 1-3 months.

Thank you all for your kind words and love for Spirit.

[mydogspirit]

Love is

giving your dog your favorite blanket

[mydogspirit]

6/20/2019

Spirit is doing much better, and I'm not even sure why.

Grateful, but so confused.

I've been giving her the pain pills the ER sent home with us. She's had a couple moments where she loses balance or muscle while out and about but is otherwise walking pretty independently.

I'm glad she's her lil old self again. Wondering if it was a pinched nerve or impacted spinal disc or something.

I love her so much. She cute.

[mydogspirit]

[mydogspirit]

June 17 2019

I came home from work and Spirit couldn't get out of bed.

I noticed yesterday she was walking with a little more trouble. Slightly more clumsy than usual. I attributed it to old age and arthritis.

Tonight I helped Spirit outside, got her to the elevator to go outdoors for potty and I braced her on the grass. She peed, pooped, and fell over immediately.

I scooped her up and propped her up against the staircase outside. I ran up the stairs to grab my car keys, phone, and scooped her up again to get in the car.

I carried her and held her at the emergency vet. A nice technician scooped her up and took her to a room to get looked at while a nice woman helped me with paperwork. I burst into tears. Other people with their pets tried not to stare.

The vet thinks she is not in pain. However, there is no question her already fragile state of mobility is now even more limited.

The vet advised me to monitor her this week and see if she stays the same or gets worse. It could be a clot, a herniated disc, or something else.

Tonight we are having a living room sleep over. I am exhausted but not sleepy. And, as life always goes, the timing of this could not be worse.

I was really looking forward to a lot of things next month. Trips, birthday, seeing family. Now I can't even wrap my head around tomorrow.

Keep her in your thoughts, prayers, heart. Please.

[mydogspirit]