Sparkle; A long and Wonderful Life

Allee

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My husband was driving home from work and saw her beside a dumpster. He couldn't catch her so he took food to her, it was several days before she agreed to be his girl. He couldn't find her family so he kept her. He saw her with a group of coyotes several times, a large male and female, he saw them sniffing her, they had a litter of pups, after a few times, he knew Sparkle was safe with her wild cousins. She howled with them at night and for them in her later years. She chased rabbits and dug up gophers. The only thing she enjoyed more than chasing rabbits was chasing the UPS man. She loved car rides. She walked hundreds of miles with my husband near the Brazos River. She loved to swim, she would stand in the river and try to dig a hole in the water with her forepaws. In her sixteen and a half years the worst thing she ever did was steal a baby wild hog, how she got it away from it's mother, Hogzilla, we'll never know.

When my husband moved to a duplex near his job, his mother asked to keep Sparkle, she needed a gaurd dog, he had misgivings but he agreed Sparkle could stay at the ranch she loved. It was a mistake, my husband's mother has no maternal instincts. He found Sparkle a few months later with a tumor on her abdomen. His mother admitted she no longer wanted the responsibility, she'd been feeding Sparkle cookies and milk since Joe was no longer there to care for Sparkle's daily well being. Thrown away for the second time, Sparkle was fourteen and a half when my husband, Joe, brought her to me. She was a bag of bones and recovering from surgery to remove the tumor. I had to beg her to come inside at first but not for long, she was tired, she enjoyed the indoors, a soft bed and plenty of attention. My oldest son has a mobile grooming service, he and his wife brought their equipment and treated our wild girl to a Hollywood spa treatment, she surprised us all with how much she loved it. She got to know my long time vet, there were lots of visits during her final two years. Her vet, Kathy took such good care of my sweet girl, she will have my gratitude and respect forever.

A couple of nights ago, I was talking with my youngest son, he said, "Sparkle has always been a firecracker. Has it really been sixteen years?"

Yesterday afternoon, Joe, Kathy and I said goodby to our love. She was the best, true to the end. We'll always miss her.

I always dedicate a song to those I love and lose. When I hear their song, I always pause to remember them alone until the song ends. This is Sparkle's song, it describes her last two years with me much better than I can.


Bette Middler Lyrics
"Baby Mine"

Little one, when you play,
Pay no heed what they say.
Let your eyes sparkle and shine,
Never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew all about you,
They'd end up loving you too.
All those same people who scold you,
What they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes,
You're not much, goodness knows.
But, you're so precious to me,
Sweet as can be, baby of mine.
-Bette Middler, Beaches 1988


If anyone reads this and thinks, how could anyone feel this away about a dog and admit it, all I can say is, I feel for you. I'm guessing there aren't too many of you on this forum. Thank you for listening.

On Sparkle and my grandpuppy, Squishey's behalf, I humbly ask that if you are considering adopting a rescue, please consider a senior, they have a lot to offer even after someone gives up on them.
 

Terry57

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Allee, what a gorgeous tribute to beautiful Sparkle, and a well deserved one. I am crying as I read it, have cried with you and for you since your Baby crossed the bridge. I never had the honour of meeting her in person, but still know her through your stories, and your love.
How incredibly fortunate that she found your family, and ended up with you, my Friend.
A blessing for all of you.
She is running in fields now, no more tumor, no more rashes, no more sore bones...just free and sparkling in the sun. I can see her there, and I am sure that Squishy and Chazzie were there to meet her.
Sending you much love and hugs.
 

GraciesMom

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Aww Allee I'm so sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful tribute that still has my tears flowing. It's clear she was dearly loved and I can't imagine she could have landed in better arms then when she landed in yours. I'm confident you filled her final years with happy doggie dreams.
 

GaleriaGila

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I say it every time some precious being passes... may the pain of losing her soon be outweighed by the joy of having had her in your life. I have a feeling that's already starting to happen. Patagonian hugszszszszsz, dear Allee.
 

RavensGryf

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Dear Allee, to say I'm sorry isn't enough. This brought tears to my eyes, and I truly feel for you in your time of grief. I'm not always the most articulate at times like this, but know that my heart is heavy for the pain you are feeling my friend. Sparkle was a very lucky girl to have been in your care for her later years. She deserved it, and she couldn't have had a better human to call mom.
 

Anansi

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Dearest Allee, I am so deeply sorry for your loss, my friend. I know how very much you loved Sparkle, and I wish I could spare you the grief of her loss.

I can tell you this, though. You and your husband came into Sparkle's life at a time when she needed you desperately. And you gave her the gift of your love. She passed knowing the happiness and the deep and utter contentment of having been truly loved. And having loved in return. Because she most assuredly loved you too.

As you grieve, let the memories of the good times you shared with her buoy you up. She is beyond pain now, running and howling with her new pack on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Sending you my love and tightest hugs, Huckleberry! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 

BeatriceC

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Hugs, hugs and more hugs. I'm so sorry. Losing a beloved pet whether feathered, furred or scaled is always heartbreaking.
 

plumsmum2005

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Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
Dear Allee, so sorry for both you and your family's loss, may you comfort each other. Rest in peace Sparkle until you can meet again some day.
 

Blancaej

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I'm so so sorry for your families loss of Sparkle. She certainly looks like a firecracker! ;) Her "sparkle" will live forever in your hearts!

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
OP
Allee

Allee

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Thank you, all of you. Your heartfelt comments are so comforting and very much appreciated.
 

Scott

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RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
My deepest condolences with the passing of Sparkle, Allee. Your magnificent tribute deeply honored her life, and pays homage to the deserving senior companions waiting in the shelters.

A very special person (you) shared this with me during a moment of personal grief. I hope it brings you comfort over time:

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love." Washington Irving
 

Piasa

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My best to you, Allee. Sparkle was so lucky to be a part of your family's lives.
 
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Allee

Allee

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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
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Sincere thanks to all of you. Your kind words mean so very much.

Scott, my dear friend, thank you for giving Washington Irving's beautiful quote back to me when I need it most. It comforts me now.
 

Mariar

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Hi allee..so sorry to hear about sparkle.your story filled my heart with joy and my eyes with tears. It's never easy to lose a loved one....sending you a big hug.
 
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Allee

Allee

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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
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Thank you, Maria. It is always hard. We miss her so much.
 
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Allee

Allee

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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
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Thank you, Tom. For a small dog, she filled a lot of space in a lot of hearts.
 

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