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.
Gardens For Goldens 
Oh no 😦 I’m so sorry 😦
Thank you.
Her smile will live on in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to meet her. Fly free beautiful girl!
Rest In Peace and Love, Blanche.
I am so sorry.
Thank you, Carol.
Sad to read about the loss… may she rest in peace
What comfort and joy you provided for Blanche, and it’s clear her beautiful spirit gratefully rewarded her visitors and caregivers. Gentle peace.
What a nice remembrance! And that face, so sweet! I’m so sorry for your loss.
Oh so sorry, but I am so glad she had a good loving place to be for her senior years. Bloat is nasty stuff, and I’m glad she didn’t have to suffer with it long.
Thanks for remembering her here, Audrey. I will miss the devine Ms. Blanche. She has always been the face of the Sugar Shack pack for me.
🌈
A very special tribute to such a beautiful dog – Ms. Blanche. I’m so sorry for your loss.
It is so hard when they go. Thanks for sharing her story. She sounds like a dear. I’m sorry for your loss and for all those who loved her.
Thank you. We were blessed to have known her.
🙂
I miss you Blanchie!
Me too!