In December, I shared a post about the senior dogs who live in what we lovingly refer to as Sugar Shack Acres. These are dogs that are unlikely to be adopted due to age, illness, or both. They enjoy the company of other dogs and live happily in their own house and yard where they can be closely looked after and receive their doting visitors daily.
Blanche was one of our much-loved residents – and a favorite of Santa’s I might add.
This morning, we lost her. While I try to keep sad news at bay, she touched the hearts of so many – and a chronicle of the dogs would not be complete without celebrating her here. Rather than speak for her, however, I’ll share the words of Tatia – one of her devotees – who delivered the news to our volunteers tonight.
“Homeward Bound’s senior sanctuary has lost beloved Miss Blanche. Blanchie was somewhere between 10 and 100, and in spite of battling cancer and severe arthritis, she was the happiest old lady you could meet.
She loved her people and she loved her cookies, and she loved clean fresh beds, and naps and pets. She welcomed new dogs in with equal grace and the occasional snark (NO one stepped on Blanche!), and kept all the roughhousers in check. She also had laryngeal paralysis which made her breathing sound raspy, especially when she got excited – which she did over each visitor who came to see her, and the prospect of a cookie.
None of her ailments got her down though: Blanche passed due to a sudden onset of bloat, and she was let go quickly and peacefully so as not to suffer. She was so loved by the HB volunteers, and gave it right back, times ten. HB was her home and we were blessed to get to have her. Rest in peace Blanchie girl, you are already missed.”
Fly free sweet girl. We were blessed to know you.