Sunshine McMichael
February 2, 1997 to December 21, 2009
At 4:45 p.m. today, Sunshine, our bulldog, our "first child", and our companion of the last 12 years and 9 months, passed away quietly in Liz's arms at the Three Notch Veterinary hospital in California, Maryland. She had been having minor health issues for some time--mainly skin and eye problems--but there were no real indications of anything seriously wrong. Today when we returned from shopping, she was lying on her bed showing real signs of labored breathing. Liz knew immediately that something wasn't right and called the vet. I stayed behind at the house with Robbie. Liz texted me at 4:20 to say "It's time". Sunshine's heart, which had beat so strongly and so bravely well past the normally alloted time for bulldogs, was finally giving out. It hurts so badly.
I've told Robbie. He is feeling the feelings only a child losing his first dog can feel. Sunshine has always been part of his life. Through his tears, he summed it up for us all I think: "She was the most beautiful dog in the world. She's always in my heart."
You were a good girl, Sunshine.
As the one who was with Sunshine at the last, I wanted to note a couple of things. First, Sunshine was a wonderful, joyful, amazing dog. Just as every family dog should be. I will miss her terribly, and that is a testament to how truly perfect she was for our family.
ReplyDeleteThere is an inevitablity about the intersection of our lives and the lives of our dogs; their timescale is not the same as ours. In a lot of ways that is a sadness, we are doomed to miss them when they pass on before us. In some ways it is a blessing. We get to see their grace, dignity and joy throughout their lives. Sunshine was nothing but joy. Joy from the time she was an untrained puppy with no manners, to the joy of an older dog learning to finally accept and love the new child (Robbie) in the family, to the dog who despite the creakiness of old age could still play "puppy face" with Tim.
At the last, I held her with her head on my lap as Dr. Yasuda gave her the first shot to relax her. She sighed, leaned into me and was peaceful. She wasn't struggling to breathe anymore. I told her I loved her, and she stopped breathing. I will always miss her.
Liz
Bye Bye, Sunshine. We only met you a couple of times, but having our own canine family member, we know you were loved and well-cared for. And, there's nothing cuter than a bulldog's happy face.
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i don't even know what to say... I am so, very, incredibly sorry. She was an amazing and important part of the McMichael clan; a true part of the family, not just a dog. I hope there are a lot of magic vents and treats where she is now. ~ peg
ReplyDeleterest in peace sunshine.... rest in peace...
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I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Sunshine, those of us who have been through the loss of a beloved pet can truly understand the pain. My thoughts are with you...
ReplyDeleteKnowing Tim, Sunshine was VERY well taken care of and loved. I'm sure Sunshine is "shining" down on the family now. I hope doggy heaven is right next door to human heaven, so I can meet Sunshine someday (and see my boy Rocky and Sport who - as Liz succinctly put it - were on a timescale taht was not the same as mine).
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Sunshine wasn't a dog..... she was part of our family and she will be dearly missed!
ReplyDeleteTim/Liz and Robbie-I am so saddened to read the news of Sunshine's passing. My heart aches for you all....Kelly
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