08/30/2026
Today we had a double loss of saying goodbye to 2 of our oldest beloved seniors, Mavis & Grandpa Sandy. In so many ways it was very beautiful as they actually went together, as they were each other’s constant companions. However, the grief is compounded.
Mavis came to us and a year and a half ago after she was put on Craigslist needing help after her owner had passed and the neighbor took her in. She badly needed a dental and had infected ears, and she was blind, missing both her eyes. We loved her and cared for her when she needed us most at close to 14 or 15. The past couple of days she had been a little off. This morning, we saw her having a massive stroke.
Grandpa Sandy came to us several years ago after his owner passed, and we took in four dogs from the household in Roswell. He was close to 17 and was one of the feistiest old grandpas that had nine lives! This boy, we thought it was his time two years ago and actually took him to the vet when he perked up and we realized it wasn’t his time. We thought maybe he had a few months that was 2 years ago! He evaded so many obstacles, but with a collapsed trachea, blindness, deafness, dementia, and recently, his back legs were giving out. We knew that his days were harder and harder and he needed the dignity to be pain-free. We struggled with the decision coming up and down on good days and bad days and we knew it was getting close for him.
Caring for seniors in their last chapter is not for the weak, but it is the most rewarding, loving experience, even when we have to say goodbye. Today our hearts are broken. This is rescue too and it’s a privilege to care for these beautiful pug souls. Fly free, Grandpa. I will miss you yelling at me for food as you never missed a meal and might’ve eaten seven or eight chocolate kisses today at the vet before saying goodbye. Mavis never loved to snuggle but today you did in your difficult moments and we will treasure that memory.
Hug your babies tight for us tonight & for Mavis & Grandpa. 🙏💔🥺
