My Soda - and a give away

My Soda..................

Came to us as a rescued dog - she had been left in a box outside the SPCA over a long weekend ( while they were closed ) and was covered in her own filth - and apparently pretty bruised.

My Daughter stepped into the building looking for a Golden Lab - she did NOT want a small dog - but Soda took one look at her and her tell started wagging - ( she had been pretty lethargic apparently up until that point ) and Ashley had no choice - her heart melted and she came home with our new little baby.

For a couple of years I would babysit Soda during the day - Ashley would drop her off in the morning and pick her up at night - just like a grandchild - until the day my daughter moved and could not take Soda into the building with her - we inherited her ( gleefully ) as our own - and since she was staying in the family - every one was ok ( well my daughter's heart was broken but where better for her baby to go then to her second home? )

Soda is now 15 ( at the least and she may be a bit older because no definite age can be given with a rescued dog ) but still looks like a puppy - still hops around ( maybe not quite as often - but she really does hop around still )

For the last couple of years I've been bracing myself for the inevitable.
And I've convinced myself that I'll be ok - she's had a wonderful life with us - and has been loved as only those with fur babies can understand.
She's my 4th child - my youngest - my baby.
She sleeps on our bed - she sits in the office beside us while we work.
I cook her dinners for her every night ( I began doing that when that Dog Food fiasco happened around 10 years or so ago ) she is, at the end of the day, our everything.

She had, what we thought, was a small cyst on her belly - and yesterday she was groomed
and that small cyst has grown - ( which we can now actually see ) and I'm terrified.

I spent the night sobbing - not being able to talk because my throat was aching and the words just came out in short choking sounds..................so there goes 2 years of preparation right down the drain.

John's at the vet with her now - as  you read this - because I couldn't bear to go - I just couldn't.

I had a talk with her before she went which consisted of me begging her not to leave me yet - she just curled in tight and looked at me with her head cocked.

Oh Soda - please please please stay with me for just a little longer - I promise I'll make you all your favorite foods forever and ever................amen.
I don't think I'm capable of saying good - bye yet.

And I'm so sorry for doing this to you all - but I'm as raw as I can get.

Last month - one of my followers offered to do a portrait of Soda - and even that scared me - I thought it was a " sign " and so I kept delaying it - without saying why - but I finally sent her a photograph - and received this beautiful gift last week....................an oil painting of My Soda.
I could melt.

It's just beautiful
If you don't know the multi talented and beautiful Cecilia from The B Farm - this is the very best introduction I can give -
Cecilia will be opening a shop and creating these custom paintings - and has graciously offered one as a giveaway to a lucky reader !

All I ask is that you drop by and follow her to qualify ( my request not hers )  - and of course leave me a comment.
Open to U.S. and Canada

The winner will simply send her  (via email) - a favorite photograph of their pet - and she will paint a custom portrait.  Also if you have a photo of a beloved pet that has since passed over the rainbow bridge this would make a wonderful keepsake to have forever.

Cecilia - I can't thank you enough for this amazing gift - we will cherish it forever.

The best of luck everyone -
Have a wonderful weekend -

And if I may -
I'm not one to ask for prayers -
But I'm begging for them now............................not for me - but for

My Soda.

Much love,