Sad Goodbye

In January 1998, my families world was tipped upside down, by a clumsy, big footed, 9kg German Shepherd puppy. Born in Milang SA, 'Zanderstein Erika' was the largest of her litter. When she weighed 9kg, the rest of them weighed 4! When she came to live with us, we lifted the airs and graces from her kennel name ans she became known as 'Ellie'. Ellie endeared herself to everyone she met with her gregarious nature and irresistible puppy charm.
At the time, I was working in hospitality, so my shifts were generally evenings or early mornings, meaning I was home during the middle of the day while everyone else was out at work. To this end, El became my little fluffy shadow, following me everywhere. Often when I visited friends, she'd come along for the trip, sitting in the back of the car as if she were being chauffeur driven. She always sat in the middle of the seat, so when I looked in the rear view mirror, all I'd see where 2 big pointy ears and a slightly vacant expression on her face. As we pulled into our destination, she'd often lean across and lick my ear, as if to say 'Thanks for the lift!'
As she grew, she developed a few joint problems, (common with large breeds) so it was my job to take her down to the vet once a month for her injections of 'cartrophen'. She was very antisocial with other dogs. She thought she was human and dogs were below her and would yell aggressively at them..... so we often got sent out of the waiting room in disgrace. In the end, I usually stuck my head in the door and said to the receptionist "Ellie is here for her injection." She'd notify the vet, who would conduct the consult on the veranda of the surgery!
At the end of 98, I left home to come to Adelaide. Ellie was difficult to say goodbye to. I knew I'd be able to speak to my human family regularly on the phone, but I was worried she'd forget me etc. In the early hours of the morning, that I left, my poor Mum came out to find me, (with a belly and brain full of cheap champagne) hugging Ellie and crying. I remember her standing there in her nightie wondering what the hell was wrong with me. Ellie was looking pleadingly at Mum as if to say 'Take her away! She stinks of grog and she won't stop blubbering!'
A good 9 months after I left, I went back to Darwin on holiday. I walked through the gate with Dad, Ellie was sitting at the top of the stairs. She smiled at Dad in that doggie 'can't be bothered getting up to greet you, but nice to see you' kind of way. I called her and slapped my legs. Her whole expression changed! She came barrelling down the stairs and leaped at me. I reckon she hit me at about chest height! Every time I went back after that, I got a similar greeting, either a massive body slam or a long gleeful howl! And after I left, she'd stop eating for a couple of days.
My Dad phoned the other day and said she wasn't going so well. Again, she has stopped eating, but it isn't though grief or anything. She's just getting very old and frail. She has a bad heart, fluid on her lungs and her joints have never been much chop. Her twilight is upon her and very shortly, she'll be heading off to join Kaleb, Suzie, Ebony and the old Ginger Cat (who's name was Pussy, but that is now considered a bit pornographic). Today, I am heading down to Strathalbyn, where she is living with Mum & Dad, to say my final goodbye. It'll be sad, it'll be the end of an era, but I think for her, that long sleep is going to be a welcome relief, given the health issues she's had the last few months.
The last couple of weeks, she's seen all the family. My brother and his family spent a week down there with them, so she had lots of exuberant pats from my 1 & 3 year old nephews, she's had a check up with Andy & Lib, our family friends who have also been her vets and who picked her from the litter for us, all those years ago and then today, Andy and I. After today, she can slip away peacefully into that long blissful sleep and go to wherever it is that dogs go, a massive grassy park in the sky, with ample sticks and balls to chase, Dixie cup ice creams to eat and Schmacko's growing off trees.
See you on the other side gorgeous girl.