On Thursday, January 30th Jeff and I had one of the hardest days of our lives. We had to say goodbye to our first baby.
That Monday we found out that Winnie was much sicker then she had ever been and her body was finally saying enough is enough. We had hoped to bring her home so she could pass peacefully with us. But Winnie was a fighter and she fought her greatest fight to try not to leave us. On Wednesday night we both realized we needed to help her pass. She wasn't able to keep food down, she was past exhaustion afraid to sleep, and wasting away before our eyes.
She was our world for so long and having to say goodbye was the hardest decision we ever had to make. We miss her every second of everyday but we know that the decision was the best thing for her.
I would like to take a few moments to tell you about our amazing Winnie the Pooper.
Winnie joined our family on July 12, 2011.
She came into our lives shortly after we got married and at the beginning of our fertility struggles. When we decided to get a puppy we did a lot of research into a family friend dog that would make the perfect bird dog for Jeff. Little did we know then she would be the most spoiled hunting dog ever!
From the start Winnie was our little adventure buddy. Her first year of life she went camping in the Finger Lakes and beach time at the Jersey Shore. Through out her life she got to travel from Cape Cod to Orlando. She was always ready to hop in the car and go where ever we were off to. Her favorite car trips were to Grandma and Grandpa's house and off to her favorite yard at the Haywards.
Winnie was our happiness when we went through some very dark times trying to start a family. She made Christmas easier with her excitement to open gifts and meet Santa Claus. She loved to cuddle with me when I struggled with depression and loneliness. She was Jeff's little buddy sharing adventures with him and curling up when he was sick. She made the long journey a little easier to handle.
Some people may not understand the love we have for Winnie, but I don't think anyone can understand how someone else feels. Winnie wasn't just a pet to us, she our baby girl, our happiness during the dark times, and comfort when we needed it most. We just hope that we gave her the best life ever. We spoiled her because she spoiled us. She was loved by our family and friends, and I know she will forever be missed.
