Sissy, a special girl --?? to 8/13/2008

Sissy and other GSGRR doggie Daphne

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Tribute to Sissy (on right) - we will miss you!

 

The Micciche family would like to thank Jim, Jeanne and all of GSGRR for letting us have Sissy for the 14 months and 4 days that we did. She truly did touch everyone who met her. Even the people at the kennel she was just at were crying when I let them know the outcome. Sissy and our neighbor, Audrey, formed an attachment from the beginning, as did we. We called her our "country bumpkin" coming off the plane from Louisiana. Jim told us about her "dancing feet" and those she did have, especially around meal time. Her tail wagged in circles and when she was lying down, her front paws were usually crossed in just such a lady-like way. My daughter loved her curly fur behind her ears. We wonder about her past - she clearly lived a difficult life prior to being taken in at Jim and Carol's home. After we adopted her, she had problems with her hips so x-rays were taken. The x-rays revealed that her hind legs/hips were loaded with bird-shot or bb's - not being a hunter, I might not be describing this correctly - she even had one in her ear. Our vet assured us these did not bother her but we couldn't help but wonder what type of a person would do that to an animal. Despite this, she was the most lovable dog - she never showed any hostility to a person. Our kids will most miss her sleeping across our laps on the couch while we are watching a movie together. She was the ultimate lap-dog, even at 65 pounds. She also was always with us at bedtime in my son's room while we read together. She took over our big M&M pillow immediately and we willingly shared it with her. I will miss her nudging my elbow as I try to type at my computer and her valiant efforts at the stairs in our home given her eyesight and hip dysplasia. She always wanted to be with me, no matter how many times a day I ran up and down the stairs. I thought I would have been with her today when we returned from vacation - I brought her home Tuesday night from the kennel and Mark took her to the vet on Wednesday morning. I thought we would get a diagnosis and then go from there. That didn't happen - she was bleeding internally and collapsed at the vet. I regret not spending her last minutes with her. Mark was with her and I talked to her on the phone (believe it or not) before we knew it was as bad as it was. I just wish I had been at the vet's too. In Maine, we bought a wooden sign that says, "And they lived happily ever after..." I think it is meant for a newly married couple but it seemed fitting when we saw it. I hope Sissy is pain-free at Rainbow Bridge. We will place this with Sissy's and Bandit's ashes.

Sissy is doing pretty well, given her age, and is loving her family in MA.

Sissy went to her forever home in Winchester Mass on June 9th, 2007 and will share her home with Daphne, another GSGRR doggie and a whole big family of humans. Thanks to all who have watched over Sissy.

PS- Sissy spent over 6 months at Carol and Jim's house and it was very hard for Carol and Jim to let her go to her new home. Sissy seems to be settling in well so all are happy.

Another update:

Hi Jim:

I wanted to wish you a happy Father's Day. I am having a ball here. These humans are telling me that Grandma and Grandpa are coming tomorrow. I have no idea who they are but I am told they are nice. I am going up and down the stairs quite well. They are hardwood, not carpeted, so it is a little tricky but I go slowly and don't fall. My new momma trimmed my nails yesterday. I was so good while she did that. She said she never had a more easygoing dog. I like to go upstairs especially at night. I sleep up in what they call "Adam's room." It has carpet and this nice round green big pillow thing they call an M & M. It is comfy! We read before we go to sleep. I also like to go there during the day for my naps. Sometimes my momma can't find me and that is where I am.

Happy Father's Day! Love, Sissy

Update from her new momma:

Just keeping you posted...Sissy seemed to have a good night sleep in the family room. She was in the same spot by the couch that we left her last night when I came down this morning. She hasn't gone up the big set of stairs to get to our second floor but does have to go up and down two steps to go out to our garage and does fine with them. Happy greeting when I came down. All three went out for a walk and then ate. It's really not bad, and almost easier, to walk three vs. two. Somehow, they keep each other in line. She loves attention and as you said, being near someone. She has a happy tail-wag. Took me a bit to get that drop in - she is so wiggly-happy and then Daphne comes over looking for attention and I am not about to waste the precious drops. Have to wait until she is lying down relaxing. So, I'm hoping it is OK that she didn't get them right away in the morning.

I did find that Candidae dog food so I will keep her on that. They don't carry it at Petco but there is a new store that carries it and they also have a "do it yourself" dog grooming area.

The kids just love her as do we. I hope you are OK and we promise to come up to NH in July. Call/email as needed.

Thanks Jayne

Sissy is 9 years old and a beautiful deep red golden girl. She knows such commands as "shake", "sit", "stay", really likes men, appears to do good with strangers, loves playing with golden puppies at GULFSOUTH, and was allowed to go indoors from time to time with her previous owners. Sissy does well in a crate and car rides. She does have cataracts in both eyes, but that doesn't effect her playtime with "Tripod" the three legged golden puppy. Sissy was a owner surrender due to a divorce.

We have raised the money necessary to have surgery on Sissy's eyes. The surgery went really well on the one eye that could have the surgery. Thanks to you all.