Help with Closure of a Chapter in my life - Page 1

Hi everyone, my name is Cee and I had a very special PPD that did Schutzhund with me. I know this is a GSD page but I know that everyone loves a good working dog.and she was the best buddy for our GSD Sabin. Astra was a Dutch Shepherd that was born in Mill, Netherlands. She came to us when we needed her the most, she was about 1.5 years old at the time. I bonded with her the minute she came out of her crate. I would call her a velcro dutchie. I have free range chickens that she would herd those dang birds in the barn every night for me, sometimes having to go into a swamp to get them out. She would not hurt a fly. Astra was very good in Schutzhund, we started competing late in life, and obtained a BH last spring and was going to title for the one last fall. She was a very high drive female with an off button. Astra was feed the best, always having the best medical care, I tried to do everything the right way with exercise, but last fall  at almost 9 yrs old her health took a dive, we diagnosed her with ITP, that was probably brought on by a tumor somewhere. I was able to resolve the platelet issue and just thanked every morning that she was still with me. At the end of January 2009, she woke up on the 24th of that month it was a saturday. She lost circulation to her right leg, because the femoral artery was blocked. There was nothing I could do, I could not get her to our hospital in time, she was in so much pain. I know she had to go to heaven with dignity because she told me so, she deserved that much because she had given me so much in her life. I take comfort in knowing she did not have this crisis alone. I was with her. I had such plans, I wanted her to grow older and retire, take a bit from a helper now and then but live out life a little longer with me. I loved her so much and miss her. I was finally able to put a small film together of happier times and there are more on youtube under buckskinthree. Here is a link for my tribute to Astra. This one has her last training session on it and a little PSA car jacking at the end from earlier years.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZZETfH6hFk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnJima535ao

please enjoy

Always,
Cee

My condolences on the lose of you beloved Astra.  Please take the time to greive.  They are never 'just a dog' to any of us us, they are are best freinds !

I am so sorry for your loss it takes me back to all the special ones who have gone before.MARTHA  

Sorry to hear about your baby. I have been dealing with the lose of my female for the last year. She passed on MAy 10th day after my son's birthday and a day before mothers day. It is almost a year now.

I tried watching your videos but could not watch all the way though. In the first one was looked very happy with you and her friend (black shepherd) I bet he misses her too.

I agree they are not just dogs People who say that never really had a close and personal bond with one. They have no clue on what it is like. To me my gril was the four legged sister to my kids. If I could of got a Tax ID on her I would of LOL
They are very specail parts of our lives.

I am really glad that I did have nine long years with her. She had taught me so much in that time. I will never forget her as you will never forget Astra. They remain a part of us. May she Rest in Peace.

EK