Hannah a life of love
  May 8, 2000 – August 22, 2011 We’ve lost our beloved Hannah. The pain is so devastating that it actually hurts physically. She gave so much love and we loved her so much. There really are no words to express how special she was and how much she meant to her family, her friends and us.  As a puppy, she was very exuberant, naughty and mischievous and wouldn't tolerate the crate. She actually ate a hole the size of a dinner plate in a flat wall and all of the corners of the baseboards.  She was humongous weighing about 99 lbs in the early years. She had the whitest teeth. She loved being called our ‘Puppy”. Even when she was a senior, we still called her that and she would light up. She loved her hair kept away from her eyes so she wouldn’t miss anything that was going on.  She loved to lie by her tree. In the earlier years, she loved to run and to get brushed. She’d crowd and step on you to be there first. She loved to go for walks and rides and to lay on the step in the pool. She loved to be called pet names  and to be sung to. She would only eat lying down. She would go to her bowl, slide it around, upturn it and send it flying to let us know she was hungry. She was clearly the boss.  She had the strongest spirit! We called her our fighter Sheepie. During the last half of her life she overcame every health crisis imaginable. She was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at age 7 after dislocating her pelvis. She became diabetic and gradually became blind. She had pancreatitus 3 times, a bacteria infection, a urinary tract infection, hot spots, yeast infections in her ears, a hematoma on her ear flap, her dew claw with a tumor removed, tumors and cysts removed, a torn nail that became infected, diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, diabetic pressure sores, high liver counts, thyroid problems and probably more. I estimate she must have had close to 2000 diabetic shots in the last 3 years. It breaks my heart when I consider that. I think she had 9 lives because when I look at her life through pictures she almost looks like several different dogs during the different times of her life and her personality changed as well. She participated in the Hip Dysplasia study to help other sheepdogs.   She was a loving sister to our first Sheepie Katrina and our current Sheepie Mix Copper.  She met her littermate the lovely Sopie and "Sophie's Mom" through this forum. Hannah is on the left and Sophie on the right. Hannah was not very friendly to Sophie because Hannah had developed thyroid problems and a change in personality. Sophie preceded Hannah to the Bridge.  She was always smiling and always wanted to be with us. Just her presence was a great comfort. At the end, all four of her legs became too weak to support her body. We regretfully made the difficult decision. My husband is at peace. My heart is NOT at peace. Logically it seems there was no other choice. Even though I was the one initially to believe it was the thing to do. Is there a way to be at peace with losing your “daughter”? She had to have 3 shots of sedatives because when she realized what was going on she was waking up. The vet that came to our home said that could have been because her body was sick for a long time and it took a while for the circulation. That vet later texted my husband several times about how remarkable Hannah was and she was “a true American Bad @ss”. (That’s how we roll in Las Vegas ) Our regular vet told us that she lived on love for a long time. We looked upon every day with her as a gift and had a long duration of ups and downs and so we thought when her time was final it would be perhaps easier. I’d give anything to have her back. When you know you’re never going to hug your sheepdog again, well that’s pretty much the worst pain in the world.  Gonna miss your sweet face Hannah Banana! Katrina’s got you for now. We LOVE you! |
|
|
I'm so sorry for your loss of Hannah. She was beautiful. My thoughts are with you. Cindy |
| I am so sorry for your loss of Hannah. What a beautiful tribute you've composed. I know how much you love her, it shines even through your pain. You can be at ease knowing you've gone way above and beyond what anyone could expect, and made the selfless decision at the exact right time for her. Thank you for being so strong when she needed you most. My love to you, and please pass some along to your husband and to Copper as well. |
| When people write tributes like this it actually makes it easier to read through and in the end, easier to understand exactly what dogs like Hannah meant to their uprights. Hannah was clearly a special dog that we all wish ours could be a little more like. God speed Hannah. Vance |
| What a beautiful tribute, indeed. I love her markings and wonderful smile. I remember losing my first OES, the incredible pain and feeling of loss. I was probably clinically depressed for almost a year. The only thing I've ever experienced that was worse was losing my Dad this year. She was barely 11 years old and though with her it was temperament rather than health problems I some times wonder now, 14 years later, if the degree of grief wasn't tied to the emotional intensity of the things we went through together during her life. With Hannah's record of overcoming health issues you're probably left wondering if there wasn't something that could have made her overcome this too. But there wasn't and you did the right thing. Deep down you probably know that too. She loved you and chose to stay with you as long as she possibly could, longer than one could reasonably expect, but in the end her body needed peace. She's still with you in spirit. Heidi "haunted" me until the day I met Belle, almost exactly a year to the day after I lost her. On that day she "passed me on". She chose well, she knew I'd be OK, and she was right. She went from running my life to changing my life. Figures. I'm convinced I'll have the opportunity to thank her some day. I wonder if she and Hannah are having "ah, these uprights, keeping them on the straight and narrow, it ain't easy, you know..." conversations? Kristine |
| So sorry for your pain...I know your pain all to well..the worst part from my pain was watching my poor daughters struggling with the feeling of loss...now I know my granddaughters will have tough time loosing our Rosie...Rosie is hanging in there because of her love...she truly lives for love and has been the most loving Sweetie since the day I met her! Prayers for your heart ache...so glad she spent her life with love. |
| What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful sheepie girl, Hannah. I can only imagine the terrible pain of loss you are feeling. Rest in Peace sweet Hannah. Tears, |
| I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our Pooh in June and I felt like someone had torn out my heart. I felt like there was nothing left in my chest, it felt so empty in there. My heart was literally hurting. 3 months later, I think I'm a little better because of Angus, a owner surrender, but I still cry and miss him terribly. We are picking up an OES statue our rescue contact has painted with Pooh's colors and his coat pattern. I know I will lose it then again. We all understand the pain you are feeling now. |
| So sorry to hear about Hannah. |
| You know in your heart letting her go was the right thing to do, but your soul still aches. She could no longer stand. What type of life is that for a dog, especially your "little" bad ass? You loved her totally and she in return. Her fighting spirit kept her with you long, long after most dogs would have surrendered. She was on a lucky streak and has happens, the end came. It was time for her to rest. You never get over losing a sheepdog. All the fluff and sass, the velcro, etc. They become a part of you and you never get over it. But you move on knowing your "daughter" is no longer in pain or suffering. Ultimately that is the nicest gift you could give her.........peace. Tears float them to the Rainbow Bridge......so cry away. |
| I am so sorry for your loss, you couldn't have loved her anymore than you did. |
| Your tribute is beautiful. Hannah you were such a remarkable girl. RIP sweetheart xx. You did your very best for her and she will always be by your side. I hope the pain eases a little soon. Hugs to you and all your family....xxx |
| I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved Hannah. Your tribute to her was beautiful, it explained so much of what we go thru to take the best care of our dogs. Making the "decision" will always be the hardest part of loving our sheepdogs but in the end it is the correct one. I can see my baby Cooper's eyes looking at me as we put him to rest on Monday, all of 4 1/2 yrs old. I know the unbearable pain, the tears and the panic thinking if this is the right thing at the right time. Just know I am thinking of you and I understand your pain. I am processing all that same pain now, still trying to sort out my head. Hoping for peace for you and your family. |
| thanks for sharing your love of sweet hannah rip miss hannah |
What a beautiful tribute for your sweet Hannah. So very sorry for your loss and special thoughts are sent your way today. The pain is so intense but the memories are sweet. Your love for your girl is never ending!  |
| My heart goes out to you-I am so sorry for your loss. |
| Such a lovely tribute and I am not sure if I could do it myself while hurting so bad. Wishing you a peaceful heart and happy memories. |
| It is a lovely tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your stories from when I initially joined; it has always been obvious that you loved her so much. Big hugs to you. |
| Oh how devastating! So sorry to hear. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family |
| Lovely tribute. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Hannah. I hope the pain will end soon and be replaced by all of your happy memories and fill your heart with love. |
| I am so sorry to hear of your loss. From your tribute I can tell what a special girl she was. Hugs to you and your family. She will always have a place in your heart. |
| I am so sorry. |
| I'm so sorry for your loss. Hannah was a wonderful sheepie girl, so precious and so full of love. I am crying so hard because your posting with her photos is so beautiful and touching. |
| Oh I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful girl. I can imagine how much you are missing her and my heart goes out to you. |
| I'm so sorry for your loss. |
| Oh no!! I am so sorry ..I know how much Hannah meant to you. She was one of your babies and I understand the depth of pain..They go way too soon..I wish I was there to give you a hug...call me if you want...Ill pass the sad news onto sue.... rest in peace dear hannah.... xo |
| I'm so, so sorry. I'll miss her, too. I always look forward to our visits (with both you and the furkids) when we travel and it'll be weird without her. If you ever want to talk, give me a call. Jill (and the whole family) |
| So sorry to hear you lost your special princess, Hannahs tribute was special as was she, we are thinking of you all at this sad time. Memories she leaves behind will always have that special place in your heart forever, gone but never forgotten, run free and young hannah again.  |
| I am so sorry about Hannah what a beautiful girl that was obviously loved |
| My heart aches for you....I am so sorry for your loss. |
| I'm so sorry to hear of Hannah's passing. RIP sweet girl! |
 I am sorry about Hannah. What a wonderful tribute and pictorial. May your sweet memories of her sustain you in your time of grief. |
| So sorry for your sad loss, she was such a beautiful girl. Having recently lost our lovely boy, our thoughts are with you. |
| Kristine, my deepest condolensces on the loss of your Father! Thank you everybody for your kind words, thoughts and wisdom. I can't tell you how much it means to me. I wasn't able to respond before now, these are the most difficult posts for me. It's been over a month and it's still hard. After losing our first sheepie in 2002, I know it will be a very long time to overcome the grief. Was only able to wash Hannah's beds last night. Just wanted to really thank you guys! I've read and reread the comments because they have given me great comfort. I'm sorry but I was unable to respond as I would have liked so you would know how much I have appreciated the support! My husband still has been unable to see this post but he appreciates the support as well. |
| My dear friend, I have finally brought myself to read this post. I checked here a few times to see if your had written about Hannah but didn't find anything and then received your email. I love what you have written about Hannah and cried so hard as it brought me back to the place I was in March when we had to make the same choice for our precious Sophie. I spoke to the lady that we adopted Sophie from after Sophie passed. She too had another OES, Maggie. She said it was so devastating losing Maggie that she couldn't have another OES because another could never take her place. I really feel the same, but then it may just be too soon. They are the most lovely dogs. It's had to understand until you have had one in the family. Our beautiful girls are together and becuase of them we have met each other. Thank you for your ongoing friendship and please keep in touch. Give Copper a big hug for me. I know he must miss Hannah terribly. BTW. Sophie didn't care if Hannah was cranky when they met. In that picture of them together, they looked pretty happy.  I hope your heart heals fast. All my love to you. Sophie's Mom |
sophiesmom wrote: My dear friend, I have finally brought myself to read this post. I checked here a few times to see if your had written about Hannah but didn't find anything and then received your email. I love what you have written about Hannah and cried so hard as it brought me back to the place I was in March when we had to make the same choice for our precious Sophie. I spoke to the lady that we adopted Sophie from after Sophie passed. She too had another OES, Maggie. She said it was so devastating losing Maggie that she couldn't have another OES because another could never take her place. I really feel the same, but then it may just be too soon. They are the most lovely dogs. It's had to understand until you have had one in the family. Our beautiful girls are together and becuase of them we have met each other. Thank you for your ongoing friendship and please keep in touch. Give Copper a big hug for me. I know he must miss Hannah terribly. BTW. Sophie didn't care if Hannah was cranky when they met. In that picture of them together, they looked pretty happy. I hope your heart heals fast. All my love to you. Sophie's Mom My Dear friend Sophie's Mom, Like you, I could only now bring myself to comment on your very much appreciated post. "Crying" is my latest past time. The last thing I wanted was to take you to that place of sadness but since you were the one that suggested posting I knew you'd want to read it and also to see the pic of our girls together. I was really on the fence about posting about Hannah because it was just so hard. And I didn't know how I could ever do her justice. You were right to suggest it and I'm glad I listened to you. After losing Hannah and Katrina our OES "daughters" I wouldn't have missed having them for anything regardless of the pain. The happiness they gave are worth every bit of pain. And I will have more in the future, I can't imagine not having OES. Thank goodness we still have Coppy and he got your hug! Thanks! He does love those. And he's having a great quality of life with more rides, walks and outings that he didn't get as much of because we couldn't leave out Hannah, that was torture for her to get left out. I think you should not rule out getting another Sheepie in the future because you were such a great Mom. And Sophie had such a great life all because of you! Of course no other sheepie could take her place but they all are so individual and special in their own right. I take great comfort knowing Sophie and Hannah are together and romping healthily and happily. Thanks Hannah and Sophie for the great friendship that's come about because of your existence. I know we'll continue to keep in touch and you can visit Coppy. Who knows maybe we'll have littermates again in the future. Stranger things have happened. All our love to you and the family! |
|
| I am so sorry for your loss Rest in peace Hannah, good girl. |
| I am so sorry, it is so hard to lose a best friend. Feel good about your decision and the love you shared. She would want that! Sunshine |
| So sorry to hear of Hannah's passing. What a lovely tribute to a beautiful girl. Our thoughts are with you and we're here if you need understanding shoulders to cry on. |
| I am totally crying my eyes out... thank you for sharing and I'm so sorry for your loss |
| I'm sorry for the late reply, but I am very sorry to learn about the loss of your sweet Hannah. I will always remember your posts about her through the years. |
| I am so very sorry for your loss. You wrote: "We regretfully made the difficult decision. My husband is at peace. My heart is NOT at peace. Logically it seems there was no other choice. Even though I was the one initially to believe it was the thing to do" I am so glad to hear someone else say this. Because like you my heart is NOT at peace. I know I made the right choice for him and I too was the one who initally made the decision it was the right thing, but I have such a huge whole in my heart without him. He is everywhere in my house. It is too quiet without him since I have no other animals or children. It has been so hard to come home from work to an empty house. He was always here and ready for me to come home! I miss him so much. Thank you for sharing your Hannah's story! |
Buddy And Me wrote: I am so very sorry for your loss. You wrote: "We regretfully made the difficult decision. My husband is at peace. My heart is NOT at peace. Logically it seems there was no other choice. Even though I was the one initially to believe it was the thing to do" I am so glad to hear someone else say this. Because like you my heart is NOT at peace. I know I made the right choice for him and I too was the one who initally made the decision it was the right thing, but I have such a huge whole in my heart without him. He is everywhere in my house. It is too quiet without him since I have no other animals or children. It has been so hard to come home from work to an empty house. He was always here and ready for me to come home! I miss him so much. Thank you for sharing your Hannah's story! Thank you so very much for your condolences and for reading Hannah's story! That means the world to me that you would say that to me! Especially when you yourself are grieving. I am so very sorry for your loss! Logically you know you did the exact right thing at the exact right time but that in all honestly does not connect with your heart that just wants to hold your "baby". Please treat yourself with extra kindness and indulge yourself if you are able even with something very simple. This kind of grief is very stressful. Sending out much compassion and kindness for you to have some peace. |
 My Dear and Beloved Hannah, A year has past today that you physically left us. I know you didn't want to go as much as we didn't want you to. I miss your sweet smiling face and your warm comfort. I miss your bossy personality and strong will. I miss hugging you! I feel your presence when I need to and know you have never left me. Thank you for the signs you have sent. You meant and mean everything to me. I'm so very lucky to have gotten to have you in my life. I love the place in my heart where you are. Your Mommy loves you sweet girl. |
| I am sure she is there with you all the time. Sorry to hear of Hannah's passing. |
| For all of us who have lost our loves - know that it is only lost - it is not destroyed, and it is only lost until we choose to let another sheepie into our hearts - then the love and the memories come back and the pain eases. A beautiful tribute to a strong hearted dog - made me cry, but also made me remember the good times. I am sorry for your loss and wish for you happy memories amongst the tears |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|