Sabrina at about 4 months
My first dog as an adult was Sabrina Fair, a now 12-year old Scottish Terrier who is days away from the Rainbow Bridge. I can barely type this for crying but I want to do it now, while she is still with me, because I know I won’t have the heart to do it after. And she deserves a tribute for all the joy she has brought to our lives.
We got her in February 1996 because I felt that my then-boyfriend’s (now husband) 10-year old Norwegian Elkhound Captain Kirk was lonely and needed a dog friend. I had seen her in the pet store earlier in the month, but had to go on a business trip. I figured if I came back from the trip and she was still there, it was meant to be.
David still wasn’t completely convinced that we should get a second dog. The weekend I got back, I suggested we go to the local shelter, with Captain Kirk in tow, and see if there was anything suitable. There wasn’t.
So then I said, well how about the pet store in Framingham? Sure enough, the puppy was still there, she went home with us that day, and yes, David figured out that I had conned him.
We almost lost her when she was 6 months old but she survived a very bad situation. And she was a tremendous friend to Captain in the last years of his life. You never saw anything as funny as a small little Scottie grabbing this 65-pound dog’s leash in her mouth and taking him for a walk.
Sabrina enjoying the April Fool’s snowstorm of 1997.
David with Captain and Sabrina on Mount Tom
Towards the end of 1996, I realized that Sabrina Fair was a pretty bossy bitch, and if I wanted to add a dog after Captain Kirk eventually passed, I had better get moving. If she were ever an only dog, we’d never be able to add another. By that time, I also had learned that you should never buy from a pet store. A reputable breeder is the best place to find a healthy purebred puppy.
I did know however that I wanted another Scottie, and was lucky enough to meet one of the best breeders of Scotties in the country, Kathi Brown. I eventually convinced her to sell me my second Scottie, Nick, also known as Champion Blueberry’s In the Nick of Time. We got him in April 1997. Nick is now 11 and I will tell you more about him when his time comes.
Sabrina and Nick at our wedding in 1998. Sabrina is in front of me.
David with Sabrina and Nick on the Cape in 1998
Sabrina and Nick became the best of friends, and even now, he and the other dogs sleep as close to her as they can get. We are in Vermont this week, and I am torn, torn between waiting until we get back and taking her to our vet, or just going to a local vet tomorrow.
I am sure that she’s ready. I’m just not sure I am.
I love you, Sabrina Fair.
I’m so very sorry. Your tribute to her is so loving, it touched me very much. Sabrina is a very fortunate dog to be loved by you and your pack as you are for having her in your lives.
I’m so sorry to hear about poor Sabrina. It sounds like you’ve had a good, long, wonderful time together.
I am so SO sorry you’re going through this. Sabrina sounds like a wonderful girl and I know this time is hard for you. Twelve years just isn’t enough time.
From my pack to yours, lots of wet kisses and warm thoughts.
I am so very sorry you (and Sabrina) are going through this. She’s beautiful. My heart aches for both of you. Like the others have said. Sounds like she’s had a wonderful life and is so very loved.
There’s a Scottie down the street named Sophie that looks just like Sabrina. From now on, every time I see Sophie out, I’ll be thinking of you both.
Thanks everyone for the thoughts and prayers. We waited until we came home from Vermont so we could go to our own vet this morning. She checked Sabrina out and agreed with my assessment that it was time. Possibly cancer, possibly a stroke, but nothing the dog would recover from. So we stayed with her while the vet administered the drugs. I’ve been crying off and on most of the morning and really don’t plan on getting too much work done today.But we really appreciate all the kind comments and Twitters.
RIP Sabrina Fair 11/15/1995 – 2/25/2008
Susan, I am so sad about your loss. When my daughter needed to put her wonderful 5 year old dog down just before Christmas, it was so heartwrenching, we all cried for days. There are no real words of comfort when this has to be – and we are facing just such a decision, I think, in the next few months. How wonderful of you to share your pictures and your sweet memories of Sabrina with all of us. I feel as if I knew her – no doubt she is frolicking in a warm place, waiting to be reunited with her loved ones, in time.
Susan,
Found your site through Chicky Baby’s.
I am so sorry for your loss.
We experienced a similar loss just about a month ago when we had to put our beloved pyr down.
I had no idea it would be as difficult as it was.
It was a peaceful end for a faithful friend and a noble heart.
I still can’t look at his pictures without crying.
Wishing you comfort and peace,
kath in NH
My heartfelt sympathy over your loss of Sabrina. In time, although you will always miss her, your sadness will be replaced by fond memories and laughs when you think of her. You did her the ultimate kindness by allowing her to go peacefully.