07/27/2025
It is with a broken heart that I am announcing that my own girl, Sophia Lee Baldwin (Dakota's big sister) went to the rainbow bridge on Friday morning.
Though she was originally intended to belong to my son, Sophie promptly designated me as her human. She was a single-person canine and I did not mind this arrangement. She adored me wholeheartedly. She appreciated a select few individuals while tolerating the remainder. If you possessed any form of treat, she would delicately retrieve it from your hand, astonishing most people with her gentleness.
Sophie delighted in visiting the dog park daily, not necessarily to engage in play, but to regulate the fun of the other dogs. From the outset, she was a boss, ensuring that everyone adhered to her regulations during playtime. She was fond of toys, particularly balls (she could fit three tennis balls in her mouth simultaneously!). Sharing was an activity she was not particularly keen on, especially regarding other dogs.
Despite her considerable size, she did not show much interest in large dogs, favoring interactions with smaller ones when she did engage in play. She reveled in excursions and excelled on road trips. She always perceived herself as just another human. Surprisingly, she cherished attending our fireworks displays every 4th of July. She would find a patch of grass to settle upon and watch each firework burst above her fearlessly.
Every day, following my departure for work, she would meticulously select one of my belongings from the dirty laundry basket, transport it to the couch, and securely bury it in the corner. Subsequently, she would sit on it and gaze out the window throughout the day, safeguarding the item of clothing (or one of my shoes) while awaiting my return. No individual could approach the couch while she was in protection mode, not even my husband, Dave.
As time progressed, she became somewhat less energetic, yet her spirited demeanor remained intact. After several years, we introduced her “sister” Dakota into our household. Initially, Sophie was less than thrilled with the new puppy's abundant energy. However, there were instances when she would let her guard down, engaging in play with Dakota, and during those moments, she behaved as if she were a puppy once more. She instinctively recognized her larger size compared to Dakota and played with her with great caution.
Additionally, throughout the years, several individuals faced Sophie’s displeasure and received a bite for various transgressions, such as giving me a farewell hug or attempting to take one of her balls. Typically, her bites served as warnings, while others constituted reprimands for more serious offenses (like attempting to pet her while she occupied her couch).
In spite of all her eccentricities, I cherished that lovely girl with all my heart. She remained by my side during the celebration of numerous joyful occasions and never abandoned me in difficult times. When my husband passed away and I lay on the couch crying, she would climb onto the couch and settle beside me, resting her head on my shoulder and reassuring me of her presence.
In her final moments, I endeavored to reciprocate by lying down next to her, caressing her gently and softly expressing what a good girl she was and that I loved her. I encouraged her to seek her Daddy, assuring her that he would care for her until we could reunite. She peacefully slipped into sleep, radiating tranquility. I hope I made the right decision. I hope it was at the appropriate moment. I hope she felt no pain. I hope that over time, I can remember her without tears for my loss. She truly was the bestest girl ever, my little Sophia Lee Baldwin.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard"
-Winnie the Pooh
