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.