Goodbye to a friend

Today we said goodbye to a loyal friend. Sadie (Gator) was loved by all and it is hard to imagine LaKnoll without our Sade. It is so sad to see her go, but we will always remember the joy she brought to our lives and the lives of all the visitors to the farm.

I will always remember the trip to go get Sadie, all of us crammed in the blazer all the way to Detroit and dad picking out not the runt of the litter, but the chubby puppy... How could we ever forget the bone buffets, cheese snacks, gator rides, sniffers, kitty friends and early morning conversations that made us love Sadie?

How about obedience school where Sadie won the award for worst behaved dog when she jumped in the pond when she was supposed to be learning to come?

When she was young she sat in the barn and waited until the guys were busy working on something, then quickly stole their hat or rag for a fun chase around the barn. Not to mention all the sandwiches, doughnuts cookies, and other snacks that the guys shared with her during their farming breaks.

When dad got hurt and she laid on the picnic table outside of the window were he was waiting for him to come outside to work. As she got older, she waited all day for the tractors to come home and always knew which tractor dad was in and would wait to meet him when he arrived.

The Gator never left without Sadie and the few times we made that mistake she showed up anyway down to Trevor's or Gramps, exhausted and out of breath, and slightly annoyed that we would have the nerve to leave her behind. Sadie, it is sad to see you go, but we would not trade the memories and joy you brought to our lives. Although the farm will not be the same without you... we will always think of you when we go for a gator ride or come home on the tractor and you are not there.

If It Should Be

If it should be I grow frail and weak

And pain prevents my peaceful sleep,

Then you must do what must be done

When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand.

Selfishness might stay your hand.

But on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years

That what's to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer.

So,When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.

Only -- stay with me until the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me.

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you too, will see

It is a kindness that you do for me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you

Who must decide this thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years......

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown