VII: Farewell

Friday evening, back at the ranch, it was time to have a family meeting. It was a very, very emotional time as we each talked about how much we love Sissy, and agreed that, with her suffering only getting worse, it was time to say goodbye. Everyone had a chance to give her loves, and then we all went inside, bringing Gwinnie with us, while Daddy said his goodbye, and then quickly and painlessly euthanized our dear canine friend. Her last days were spent surrounded by the love of her family, at her favorite place on earth, where she has spent the happiest moments of her 11 years, running and leaping through the mud canyon with her Boy, bravely herding cows and chasing lizards and jackrabbits, and following her family wherever they might wander around the Carrizo.

After he had cleaned up, we came out of the cabin, and while we all stood together down by the fire in the deepening twighlight, quietly wiping our tears, Gwinnie went to the mound of sand where Sissy had just met her end, and lay down motionless. For the rest of the evening, she was inconsolable. Though she has only been a part of the family for six months, she bonded with Sissy and they were inseparable for those six months. She took it very hard. It seemed that even the sky above us was in mourning, the tumultuous clouds wanting to weep with us.

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The next morning early, my wonderful husband went down to our little tree beside the driveway where we buried Brandy a few years ago, and dug another grave. When everyone woke up, we gathered the prettiest rocks from our collection and brought them down with us to make a headstone. We prayed together, thanking God for giving us so many wonderful years with our friend Sissy, and said our last farewell.

Rest in peace, Sissy Jupe.

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