It was a terrible week for all of us in the Baxter family this week as we said goodbye to our beloved pet, Santa's Little Helper. She was 12. The picture at the right was taken on a chilly day last autumn when we took SLH and Tater for a walk on the beach.
Santa was born on a farm in Acton, California and was offered free to a good home. She was so tiny and all white when she was a puppy, much like Mini-Me, only cuter, and without a sex tape that we know of.
She was also the most obedient and most loyal of all our dogs. If Donna or I were ever sick, she would lie by the bed for however long we needed her. She would not even get up to eat or pee unless you made her. She so wanted to help.
Six years ago this October 30th, she had a spinal embolism and was paralyzed. We feared we would lose her then but through medication, physical therapy, and mostly her sheer willpower and desire to please us, she fought almost all the way back.
She has walked pretty wobbly since then and had some trouble with the stairs quite often but every day we got to be with her since then has been a blessing and a bonus.
Here are a few photos I pulled together this week of SLH, including a few of her as a puppy.
The end came swiftly. We think maybe last Friday afternoon she had another event that affected her muscles and she was clearly uncomfortable throughout the weekend. She wasn't moving at all other than when we coaxed her. In her final hour on Monday though she took herself outside and lay down in the rushing water of the pond in our yard. After a little while she walked into the woods and lay down behind a tree for the last time.
I know Tater doesn't mind sharing her day with Santa's Little Helper today. We will all miss her so much. We tried to give her a good life and I know she gave us one. This is the last picture I ever took of her. She was sitting in my office about two weeks ago, keeping an eye on me to make sure I wasn't going anywhere without her.
Neither of us could have known that it was she who would soon be going on without me. :(
Such a sweet tribute, Bean. I teared up reading your descriptions. I am so sorry for you and Donna - it is hard to lose such a devoted and loving member of the family.
Posted by: Nicole | July 04, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Bean and family, I'm so sorry for your lose.
Posted by: Ana | July 04, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Thank you for sharing her story, Bean, and for giving her such a wonderful life. I have tears in my eyes.
Posted by: Kate | July 04, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I hope you take solace knowing you gave her a good life.
Posted by: Diane | July 04, 2008 at 08:15 AM
thanks for the photos, bean. she looks like she lived a happy life with you. =)
Posted by: Alisa | July 04, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Bean, Donna, Tater Tot & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Santa's Little Helper was so lucky to have you as her family.
LiLa
Posted by: LiLa | July 04, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Ah, I'm sorry you lost Santa... she was beautiful
Posted by: Kathryne | July 04, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Bean, I'm so sorry. First SLH, now Bozo the clown and Jesse Helms. When will the summer of death stop?
Posted by: Mike | July 04, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Aw, Bean, that's too bad. She was a cutie. We lost two cats, two days apart, two weeks ago, so I have an idea of how you feel. It's obvious from your pictures that she loved and was loved.
Posted by: Suzanne | July 04, 2008 at 09:34 AM
i am so sorry....
Posted by: cathy g | July 04, 2008 at 09:54 AM
So sad…condolences from my family to yours…what a wonderful life you gave her
Posted by: Ken | July 04, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Bean and Donna,
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Santa' Little Helper. I remember hearing about her when you got her. I wept while reading your post. What a good and loving girl! My own good boy is deep into the twilight of his life and I really have compassion for senior pets and their people.
Again, know that you and Donna gave her the absolute best forever home any dog could ask for. Peace to you both as you miss your girl.
Posted by: Cam | July 04, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I've only lost one dog and that was enough. Still tear up thinking about old Leo. Live with the happy memories and not the last one. My deepest condolences on your loss. ~gerry
Posted by: Gerry | July 04, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I am very very sad to hear about the loss of your dear friend Santa's Little Helper. I never knew her, but I can tell that she was a kind, warm and loyal companion that you will never forget. And what a cute, fluffy, beautiful little puppy she was! Thanks for sharing the photos and the memories.
Posted by: Resilient Rabbit | July 04, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Bean and Donna,
My condolences to the both of you. I know first-hand how difficult it is to loose a family pet. These are beautiful pictures of SLH, and may you find comfort your memories of her.
Posted by: Danny | July 04, 2008 at 10:20 AM
awe bean, i am so sorry to hear about SLH. that sucks. i don't know what else to say. hang in there bro!
Posted by: [ b ] e c k e r | July 04, 2008 at 10:29 AM
My condolences to you and your family. Nothing is purer than the love of a good dog.
Posted by: Stacey | July 04, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Here's a hug to you both.
Posted by: TandJ | July 04, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Dear Bean & Donna,
We are very sorry for your loss, and know how much love and joy a pet can bring to your life. It sounds like Santa's Little Helper was truly a part of your family, and was loved just as much as she loved both of you.
Sincerely, The Loopers
Posted by: Doug | July 04, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Bean, I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to your beautiful dog. I have loved the stories about her over the years and know how hard it is to lose a pet and family member. The hardest part of having a pet is knowing they go so fast. But the love they give you makes it all worth it. I will be thinking of you and Donna today and hope the good memories have shoved the sadness away for awhile. Best wishes, Mary, Butters, Sprite and all the others.
Posted by: Kawinki | July 04, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Hey Bean,
Sorry to hear about SLH. He was one of the first pets I heard of that you had. Just yesterday I had a conversation with someone on how pets don't like to die in front of their owners.
One thing is for sure, SLH isn't hurting anymore and is running around that great hydrant in the sky.
Posted by: Raul | July 04, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Oh Bean, I'm SO terribly sorry. Thanks for the lovely tribute to SLH!
Posted by: Lucy | July 04, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I'm just laying here with tears in my eyes.... My god, I am so sorry to hear about SLH!!!! She just seemed like a sweetheart..... I admire you and Donna so much for the way you live your lives and have animals as your children..... I so want to live my life like yours!
You'll all be in my thoughts today and don't worry, SLH is now with my baby BooBoo (American Bulldog) and watching us from above....
take care...
<3 always,
me.
Posted by: me! =) | July 04, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I am so sorry. You wrote a beautiful tribute.
Posted by: -monica | July 04, 2008 at 11:31 AM
What a sad story Bean. Sorry for the loss of your loyal friend.
L :(
Posted by: Lynne_T | July 04, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Sorry to hear about SLH. I'm so sorry for your family's loss
Posted by: Myra | July 04, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Bless you and Donna for all the love you give your critters. SLH was a beautiful girl and I know how much you will miss her. My condolences to the whole Baxter clan.
Posted by: LA | July 04, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Dear Bean & Donna,
Those darn pets...they get into our hearts and then they go and make their final journey without us!! And they do EVERYTHING with LOVE!! Bean, your tribute to SLH was lovely - and makes me want to go give my special doggy a great big hug! I'm so sorry for your loss, but also know that you gave a lovely and wonderful life to a darling dog who gave you the same in return.
Posted by: Cathy D | July 04, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Dear Bean & Donna,
It is clear from reading this that the bond you both have with Santa's Little Helper will not be diminished or extinguished by this very sad loss. Please accept my condolences.
Posted by: kez | July 04, 2008 at 01:20 PM
*hugs*
Posted by: Rose | July 04, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I'm sorry for your loss Bean. She was a really pretty dog! It sounds like you did the best you could with her and I'm sure she knew that.
Posted by: Suzy | July 04, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Bean and Donna, my heart goes out to you...
Posted by: K | July 04, 2008 at 02:02 PM
My condolences, the entire Bean family.
Posted by: Sunny Days | July 04, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Bean and Donna,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that Santa's Little Helper is happy and healthy somewhere. I remember your blog about almost losing her to the embolism. She had so many wonderful years beyond because of your love and care.
Hang in there!
Posted by: Kelly | July 04, 2008 at 03:26 PM
I'm so sorry, Bean. She was a gorgeous pup must have had a fabulous life on the island!
Posted by: brookejoy | July 04, 2008 at 05:06 PM
*Sniffle*
Posted by: Liz | July 04, 2008 at 05:39 PM
I am so sorry for you loss.
Posted by: HeatherMichelle | July 05, 2008 at 07:30 AM
She was a beautiful dog and sounds like you gave her an amazing life. My thoughts are with you and Donna and Tater....
Posted by: Maria | July 05, 2008 at 07:34 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I've heard you talk about SLH for years and know how much you loved her. Knowing how you care for your animals, I'm sure she had the fullest life she ever could have had.
Posted by: EditThis | July 05, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I'm sorry for your loss from the bottom of my heart. Please give Donna a hug for me and Tater too....
Posted by: angie | July 05, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Aww...I'm so sorry for your loss. Loosing a pet is always difficult. My condolences to your entire family.
Posted by: Lety | July 05, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, bean. I recently had to put my dog down, I know how painful it is to lose a close companion. I would be more than happy to give you a free P.B. German shepherd puppy.
BEST WISHES!!
Posted by: | July 05, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Bean, my wife and I are so sad to hear about your loss.
Posted by: DanGarion | July 05, 2008 at 09:37 PM
i can't imagine. i'm so sorry :-( :-( i worry about one day losing my kitty and she's only 2..
Posted by: michelle k | July 07, 2008 at 06:34 AM
I am so sorry, she was a great girl. I am glad I got to meet her and I am really sad she's gone.
Posted by: Casey | July 07, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I never write to you about your blog, but I wanted to express my sympathy for the loss of a dog...
Posted by: Heather | July 07, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Hi Bean,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy go to you, Donna and the rest of your pets who will also feel her loss. Thank you for sharing her life with us.
Posted by: Lisa | July 07, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Bean & Donna,
What a wonderful goodbye to such a loving pet. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm certain she could not have had a more loving Mom and Dad.
Posted by: | July 07, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Sorry Bean,
I was so upset after reading about SLH and wanted to hurry and let you know how sorry I am that I forgot to put my name on the comment I sent. What a bonehead!
Posted by: Anna | July 07, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Bean & Donna,
My condolences to you both on Santa's passing. Never easy to lose or let go of a loved fuzzy child.
Gil
Posted by: Gil | July 07, 2008 at 02:43 PM