Thursday was a sad day for us as we said good-bye to who I called our "problem child," Sunny.
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| ~A last and favorite photo of Sunny~ |
Sunny was a bit of a stubborn soul, with a sometimes short fuse and he would snap when you grabbed his collar or when he didn't want to do something or be fooled with.
Longtime readers of this blog may remember that because of how reactive Sunny could be, the rescue knew that he could not be safely placed in another home -- and at the time, I didn't want to keep him. So, a decision was made by the rescue to euthanize him. It was a decision that I respected, understood and supported.
But in the end, to put it simply, my heart took over and I couldn't go through with it. I felt that there was a lot of good in Sunny, and that he deserved a chance. A chance to live his life. And so, Sunny became ours.
We knew Sunny's limits. And we respected him and those limits. Because we knew that with some space and a moment for him to decide, he would always agree to do what we asked of him. I know he would do it because he trusted and respected us. And if it was something he didn't want to do, like have his nails trimmed, or see the vet, we always found a way to keep him and everyone safe.
Sunny loved meeting the newcomers, and he got along well with them and his packmates, especially Max. Being independent and a bit of a lone dog by nature, he stayed mostly in the background, not liking his picture taken, or being the center of attention, or part of a lot of activity - Sunny loved one-on-one attention, and our best moments together were just the two of us, not asking for anything from the other.
And so, at about the age of 15, and for exactly 8 years + one day, Sunny lived his life with us totally on his terms; and when we kept him, we agreed to those terms. I would have lived no other way with him.
God speed to our boy, Sunny Sunshine, who like the others before him, is missed and I will look forward to seeing again one day. ❤❤
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| ~Sunny on the day we met in July 15, 2013~ |
Awww, so sorry for Sunny passing on. I am glad he had years of happy times with you and the pack at Golden Pines. Take care, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe're so sorry to hear that Sunny had to go to The Bridge. He was lucky to land in your home where he could live on his terms and be loved. We have our paws crossed and are sending warm hugs to you and everyone at Golden Pines.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Sunny, but he had a good life with you, and so many extra years to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWe're so sad to hear about your Sunny. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathy in the loss of sweet Sunny. I love the hopeful smile on his face in that first photo of him from 2013. You and the family gave him the life he needed.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!
Sunny, darling boy, you will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI almost overlooked your previous report about Cooper’s wonderful day at daycare. This – and his dear happy face – brought joy to my heart. The healing of his “broken” spirit may be slow but so rewarding.
Bless you for giving him the life he wanted and needed. I'm so sorry for your loss. ♥
ReplyDeleteSunny, you were where you were meant to be, a home filled with company and so much love. You smiled, and will leave a huge gap. Farewell, darling Sunshine.Kim, you gave Sunny so much, and on his terms, he was so blessed to come and stay for those years, and no matter how long, it can always seem too short a time.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww (((((((Kim))))))), I am so sorry about the passing of Sunny. He came, taught you what you needed to learn, was by your side when only his presence would do, and then he set sail to the next place. Happy travels, sweet Sunny, and many gentle hugs to you, Kim. God bless you for ALL you do for these precious souls. ~Andrea xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteSo glad Sunny had those years with you. He had years of happiness that without you he never would have known. You are such an amazing person. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSunny loved each moment with you, Kim. He had a wonderful life with you and the other loves you care for...jp
ReplyDeleteso sorry Sunny has passed on but he has had a great life with you and known how much he was loved. I helped out walking rescue dogs at a place near here where 'no hopers' are taken when other rescues are about to put them down - sort of last chancers - they don't get homed quickly, some not for years if ever, as like Sunny they are reactive but they never ever euthanise - I had to stop going there as I got sad not being able to home them - so I can see you are a very special kind of person to be able to care for these animals. Our 'new to us' cat is reactive - she's quite odd. semi feral, been hit around so attacks my feet or hand if a sudden movement spooks her, but we are making progress. All the best. Betty
ReplyDeleteGood-bye Sunny. I hope you know how very much you were loved.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my dogs, Brut and Chance were like Sunny and they were two of my best dogs. It always came down to respect with them.
I'm so glad Sunny got along with the other dogs and that you let him be on his terms. It was one of the best gifts my two dogs taught me.
Thinking of you ♥
With many dogs it is a give and take situation.
ReplyDeleteoh Kim... such a poignant and beautiful post about Sunny.
ReplyDeleteI remember him not wanting his picture taken! and you had him all those 8 years and got many showing his singular and lovely spirit. you have the Patience to treat Each One as an Individual who deserves understanding and Respect and LOVE.
bless you darling girl. you're one in a million I'm thinking.
XOXO
{{{hug}}}
ReplyDeleteKim, how I admire you, your kindness and love for these dogs is so lovely and uplifting. I'm sorry for your loss of Sunny, he needed you more than most I think.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you chose love for Sunny. We have two gsds right now that we have had since 9 wks old that we live on their terms. We learn something new everyday and I would not have it any other way. You are such a good person, please don't ever forget that.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like only yesterday when you first welcomed Sunny to Golden Pines. Eight years and a day is quite an achievement - for him a routine of trust and kindness. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteRun free dear boy.
ReplyDeleteComing back to say, my friend, that I do know about the song birds. Here are a couple blog entries I made on the subject. :-) XOXOXO
ReplyDeletehttp://thefeminineenergy.blogspot.com/2021/06/i-am-heartbroken-over-this.html
http://thefeminineenergy.blogspot.com/2021/06/ive-decided.html
XOXOXOXO
Sorry Sunny has passed . . .
ReplyDeleteLove lives in you Kim and for your team!
Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy for your loss of Sammy. Everyone deserves a chance to live on their terms and be loved for their true self. Thank you for giving it to Sammy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. So many happy years you guys had together. Exceptional.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Hugs.
So sorry, hard to lose our four legged friends...you did good by him may that give you comfort!
ReplyDeleteWe have our own versions of "Sunny," and we love them. It's a labor of love, as they say. I hope your heart can rest easy because you did right by him for a very long time!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love and condolences being sent your way ♥ .
(I sent you an email...)
I’m so sorry 😞
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, Sunny. You did love and respect your humans, and that speaks volumes about them and you.
ReplyDeleteOh Sunny how lucky were you to find this special home. RIP Fella xxx
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. Hugs♥
ReplyDeleteOh Sunny ~ so glad you had a good life with your dear owners here ~ Xo ~ losing our fur persons is always hard but what a life you shared ~
ReplyDeleteLiving in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)