Seah goes to Heaven

Seah 2006

Hugs

Earlier this week my first "official" rescue went to Heaven. When I read the news I cried. I cried my whole way to work. The tears were not so much out of sadness, though my heart breaks for her owners, but more out of joy for the life she was given. She passed over the rainbow bridge peacefully in the arms of the people that loved her more than anything, in her home, gently and with dignity. She was supposed to have died 3 1/2yrs ago in a cold, damp shelter-with no loving whispers in her ear or caring arms around her. What a gift she was given.

Seah's story-

It was Saturday, February 4, 2006. I went with my brother to our local shelter. It's a very small and poor shelter though they do the best they can with what they have. The big dogs were in small kennels with one side open to the bitter Midwest winter. As I walked up in down the line at the barking dogs I was drawn to the sad German Shepherd at the end. She looked tired and old and she didn't bark as I walked by. I stopped to read her tag and she looked at me with those deep liquid eyes, they were eyes that seemed to know the ways of the world. As we were getting ready to leave I asked the staff if any of the dogs were to be put down. She said the two on the end were going tomorrow if no one had adopted them. The old German Shepherd and a young black lab.

I left with a heavy heart.

I talked things over with my husband and I went back the next day (Super bowl Sunday) an hour before close. Of course, the two dogs were still there. I asked to get them out and the lady looked at me surprised. She said the old German Shepherd had quit eating a few days ago and was ready to die. As I fumbled with her latch, I saw a little light in her eyes, her tail began to slowly wag. When I brought her out it she transformed. She stepped lightly and looked at me hopefully, "where are we going?" she seemed to ask. I nearly cried thinking about how in less than an hour this walk would be to her death. When I put her back I thought I might have crushed out what love was left in her heart. I got out the black lab. He was a nice boy and also thrilled for a few moments of attention. I went inside and adopted them both. The shelter lady was shocked and relieved. I felt bad for her and the things she had to do because of lack of space and money.

When we got home it was like the two had lived here all along. We gave them baths and they settled right in quite happily. They both ate great and explored the house. I wondered if I might be crazy. How would I find these dogs homes? It didn't matter at that moment--the joy in their eyes was my reward, they knew they had been saved. We decided to name them Seah (the old German Shepherd for the Seattle Seahawks) and Steeler (for the Pittsburgh Steelers--the two teams playing in the Superbowl that day).

My husband found Steeler a good home with a guy he worked with. They proclaimed Steeler was the best dog they had ever had. He bonded instantly with their handicapped daughter.

Seah was spayed and had a huge tumor/mass removed from her abdomen. The vet thought me a bit crazy for taking her. She was old and had bad hips. Seah didn't care and neither did I. She became an instant mother out here to the other dogs and though she was very friendly she took on the responsibility of keeping us safe. She would follow us all about the farm with that big tail slowly wagging all the time. Her step was light and her spirit was young. I never dreamed she would find a home, I thought she would be with us forever. Who would want and old German Shepherd with bad hips?

Months later I received an email from a couple that would change my life and faith in the goodness of people forever.

They were from Minnesota, after losing their much loved dog they were ready to bring a new dog into their home and were drawn to Seah. I couldn't believe that this might be happening, but on May 11, 2006 Linda drove down to take Seah to her forever home. She said Seah looked back once with one small whimper, knowing she was leaving our farm. I'm sure any sadness she might have felt leaving us was quickly replaced by the showering of love she was given in her new home. She lived in the country still and was queen of the house. Since Seah didn't like slippery floors they laid rug paths across the house for her. She spent every evening with Michael, Linda's husband watching TV and eating popcorn. Linda rescues feral cats (a never ending, mostly thankless job) and Seah took over watch of them as well. During this time Linda and I shared emails, first about Seah, but then about our lives. She has become and friend and a mentor to me sharing life's ups and downs over the last few years. There are many times I wanted to give up doing rescue but Seah's life kept me going. In fact, for all my years, if all I was able to do was give that girl 3 amazing years with people who loved her, it was worth it. Her picture sits on my computer in the front where I see it every day. Every day I am inspired to do better for another dog that seems to have no chance. Because I saved her and Steeler the shelter has allowed me to foster and rehome other death row dogs that would have otherwise been put down. Seah's story has helped change the lives of many.

Linda and Michael loved to go for drives, exploring the countryside and invested in a small SUV for Seah's comfort. The plates read "SEAH". They came to visit me not long ago for which I will feel both forever thankful and guilty about. When Seah jumped out of the SUV at our place she hurt her spine. An old GS with bad hips and a spine injury isn't a good situation, but Linda and Michael took her to one of the best Veterinary surgeons in the country for surgery and months of rehabilitation. She never made a full recover and always needed assistance walking. Seah was never daunted by this setback. She made fast friends at the Veterinary school where she spent many weeks and enjoyed the extra attention and good company her injury brought her. As always, we can learn so much from dogs. Her tail still wagged and her heart still loved and that's all that really mattered. I can't help but suspect all the people who worked with her were touched by her kindred soul like I was. I imagine they were just as moved by the love that her owners had for this old girl.

Linda and Michael doted on her until this end. Even without the injury she was pretty old by German Shepherd standards and this past Tuesday the vet came to Seah's home to send her to heaven in the arms of the people that loved her.

I am eternally grateful for the chance these kind people gave to Seah. There was something about that old girl that touched me at the deepest level of my soul. She was wise and calm and comforting. Her eyes seemed to hold all of life's answers. I can't quite put it into words, but she was so very special. Perhaps Linda said it best when she called her an uncanny soul mate.

My heart aches for Linda and Michael who are left with an empty home and empty arms. I wish I could be there and give them a huge hug. They gave this old dog everything they had and in return, they got back a lifetime's worth of love in just a few years time.

This is what Linda sent me...it's really so fitting-

"For Seah
From Amazing Grace
Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within the veil,

A life of joy and peace."

Seah

Lived in Love from-
2/5/2006-11/3/2009

Rest in peace dear friend, we will see you again someday.

I will carry your memory in my heart forever.