Saturday, December 31, 2011

RIP Wink Satine: Farewell to the Best Dog Ever

i feel violet today
She really was the best dog ever. Sweet and loyal, fun and social, she mastered the fine art of lap sitting like Rembrandt mastered capturing light. But like many great artists, her candle glowed bright but burned out far too soon.

At age 4 she began to have seizures, and at 4 and a half she went blind due to an auto immune disease called SARDs. The coming year and a half found her coping with new illnesses, none that doctors could link together, but as one of our many veterinarians said, it was "plain bad luck" and "little white dog syndrome." Eventually a diagnosis of kidney disease came a few months ago, but one day before we left for a trip to the other side of the world, she showed signs of distress. But she rallied and while we traveled, she spent her last days with amazing friends who cared for her and helped her through her final hours. Even her best rallying to hold it together couldn't do it in the end.

Despite Wink's illnesses, she loved life and she loved all the people in her life. She knew the path, even while blind, to our next neighbor's house and would run it if we let her. She loved giving licks, jumping with glee, seeking out her favorite treats of carrots and apples, and simply sharing a seat with her peeps.

She taught us so much. To love a rare snowfall, to get to know our neighbors more, to try new things, to revel in the simplicity of a good walk and to care for little people. To lean in when needed, to cherish a fresh pea from the garden, to catch a good breeze and how to make it work. We loved that dog so much and our lives are forever changed. Words don't do justice but I needed to make this post.

Love the ones you're with people. Life is fleeting and you never know what's around the bend.

A simple summer evening walk from LeloNopo on Vimeo.


wink is a rocker from LeloNopo on Vimeo.

29 comments:

Marisa said...

Oh no! I'm so, so sorry to hear about Wink. I always enjoyed seeing photos of her pop up in your photostream and hearing the stories of her here on your blog. I'm sending you both good thoughts.

Heather said...

As you know from my earlier messages to you - my heart is with you and Adri. Yes, we have so much to learn from our furry children. Big hugs.

Amy - the gazelle said...

I am so sorry! My thoughts are with you.

Heather said...

Oh Leann, I am so sorry. Losing a dog is so unfair. Xoxo

Kathryn said...

I know that you know how we felt about Wink; we considered her part of our family and we are so sad that she is gone.

Cher, the girls and I all love you and AdRi so very much and have kept you close in our thoughts and in our hearts these past weeks.

XO

danger garden said...

I am so sorry. Even though I only knew her via your blog it was obvious what a super spirit she had and what a large hole she'll leave behind.

Kate said...

Sorry to hear about Wink. Hugs.

Unknown said...

your video stopped half way through, but the 2 mins. we saw brought tears to our eyes and an aching heart. we loved her so much. she was the most excellent cousin to the girls. we will forever miss wink and hold her close to our hearts. we love you and adela so much....i am so very sorry for your loss sister....

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

your austin family....

Anonymous said...

The Jewel.

weese said...

peace, wink

scottweberpdx said...

So very sad :-( I think you are so right, though, one of the greatest gifts pets give us is that awareness of just how short life can be...and how we should fill every minute of it as best we can.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Wink loved life because she lived in a loving environment. Such a sweet dog. Hugs, Mom

Alison said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. The first post I ever read on your blog was about cute little Wink. Thanks for passing on her wise life lessons to your readers.

Desert Diva said...

I couldn't comment right away, because I'm at a loss for words. No words can substitute for the terrible loss you and AdRi must feel. I'm so very sorry.

My first "real" dog (all my own and not a family pet) was a black chow-chow that was the runt of her litter. I named her Mei-Mei (after reading that the name means "little sister" in an Amy Tan novel). At six she developed kidney disease and I went to "extremes" to save her. She lived a year with me giving her a special diet, "low-tech" dialysis of saline under the skin, and injections of Procrit at the end.

I didn't think I'd ever get another dog until Cali. I picked her up after going to a Humane Society several times and she sighed and fell asleep in my hands.

Cali is ten now and I find myself thinking about the day when I might lose her. I can't bear the thought and tell her daily how much I love her and that she can never leave me.

She waits at the door when I arrive home and when I drive my ancient RV she puts her muzzle just above my knee when I drive.

I like to think that dogs have souls, and I hope that Wink is in a better place free from the constraints she had on earth...

Best Wishes, Marie said...

que linda. we are in cabo, so i am espeaking espanish.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. Finding a blog entry or photo of Wink in the garden was always a special treat when I visit here. Farewell, dear Wink!
Lee Ann

morganlaurel said...

LeAnn -- I am so sorry to hear about your loss of little miss Wink. I could tell through every post about her that you loved her immensly and I am sure she knew that every day. Life in the garden will be a little different without her but it will always hold her memories.

e said...

So, so sorry to hear about the adorable Wink. It sure leaves a hole in your heart and home...

xoxo

Paula said...

I am just reading this on the 5th so I'm late, but so sad for your loss. Dogs are truly amazing creatures. Living without one is hard, so I hope a new friend finds you soon.

A Lewis said...

I'm so sorry! Lots of love as you sort out the many emotions that come along with these difficult times of life. I just can't believe it. I remember Mason coming over and going on a short walk with Wink......Big hugs. xoxoxoxo

KatyO said...

I'm a bit behind on my blog reading, so I apologize for the delay in sending my deepest sympathy to you and Adri. Hugs to all & hoping your January is shaping up to be a happier month.

Anonymous said...

Such a sweet doggie. You were both blessed to have each other. My condolences.

HipChickDigs said...

just catching up on your blog and so sorry to hear about your pup! we just lost our beloved greyhound and are heart-broken. they teach us what unconditional love and devotion is and inspire us to be better humans so we may deserve them.

Anonymous said...

I am ten and i read your blog well it made me cry when i saw this
Can you please post more about wink i read every post
i have a maltipoo of my own but she is wild so i dont know what to do her name is buttercup
I love your blog i might make one of my owni wheni get oolder

Can you give me tips on how to train her please
She is ten months
You are right, never argue wit a maltipoo, they will poop and pee off of their wee wee.

thanks, you and adri's biggest follower, and dog

LeLo said...

Hi Aaliyah,

Thanks for the note. Wink was a very special dog, and we loved her very much. We now have Diego, and he is wonderful too. I think all dogs are pretty great, and they are all trainable. I love dogs too. The thing to remember is that dogs look to their humans for leadership. Think of yourself as leader of the pack. It's important you give Buttercup a good schedule: take her out first thing in the morning, take her for walks, let her exercise a lot while on a leash with you and tire her out some. Do you use treats for training her? That's very helpful. Housetraining can take a while to get right with these little dogs, but if you're patient and consistent with Buttercup, it will work. Remember, it's up to YOU, not just Buttercup. You sound like a great dog mommy!

Thank you again for the nice note, and Diego sends licks to Buttercup.

LeAnn

Anonymous said...

Thanks visit my blog aaliyahbuttercup.blogspot.com
Just dont comment or any thing cuz i dont want to get into any trouble. :). I love your dogs!

Anonymous said...

Hi its aaliyah in six days it will be her death anniveresery. Will you visit her? I really love your dogs! Too bad im in new york. Have awonderful christmas. I love your dags.
The wink is a rocker vid doesnt work omn my ipad. Is there a way i could watch it, i dont want to get caught on the computers.

Anonymous said...

Hi im still curious about ginger and lucy and winston and all of winks other friends. Are they alive a nd well
Plese tell me they are
So what happened to ginger
Is diego all right no sards.

Bbye aaliyah

Anonymous said...

I was reading about rudy, is he alive and well?