WINNIE, aka Winifreda la Bandida, aka The Winster
Adopted Nov 1, 2009 ~ Back to her Pack December 12, 2014 (estimated age between 10-11 years)
Winnie was called back to her 3 dog pack (of Bear and Nicoya) yesterday, December 12, 2014. Winnie was a very sweet husky dog that we were lucky enough to have as part of our human and dog pack for these past 5 years. Although she had a slew of medical issues from the beginning, her fight was that of a warrior. From the first diagnosis of her breast cancer to chronic bronchitis to periodontal disease (multiple teeth cleanings) to liver/gall bladder dis-ease and possibly these last 11 months with degenerative myelopathy to finally her body just wanting no more battling and surviving again ~ to a sudden and debilitating paralysis of her hind leg that began Thursday evening with the likelihood of a blood clot as the cause. What we do know is Winnie survived the breast cancer. She lived with all the other issues on a day to day basis. Her fight was epic in these short 5 years. I couldn’t ask of her for any more battling and battling just to be here with us. Her life this past year was not the quality of life she lived the previous four. We believed she deserved better and it was time to end her suffering and not ask anymore of her.
Winnie was a quiet dog that held her own among the four dogs that came in and out of her time with us while still defining her role within her pack. She didn’t care to be the boss or be bossed around. She knew how to “be” in the room or group and added this specialness to her pack. It is hard to explain or describe her spirit to others. I think it was in her eyes most as well as the language of her face ~ her ears back or up, her mouth open or closed with her tongue either out or not in a goofy looking manner, laying down or sitting perfectly still that could be freakish at how she looked right through you, and how she took you or her environment in. She was a comfort to her pack, both dogs and humans.
Winnie will be missed. Her passing away was very emotional and I think harder than when Bear passed away. Bear was the first of our dog pack and the oldest and his passing was very difficult for me. But with Winnie’s passing ~ the last of the original 3 dog pack may be more so because she is the last of their pack. Finally, Bear, Nicoya and Winnie are a pack once more. This is my emotional healing in Winnie’s passing.
Thank you Winnie, for being with us these past 5 years!
Winnie’s first holiday photo.
Hanging out with Keena.
Last week’s dressed for this holiday shoot after her salon visit.
THE PACK TOGETHER for good.
