We had to say goodbye to our lovely old lady Liddie on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
Liddie (Tristar Tori’s Liddiette CD RE) came to us as a 10 year old senior rescue, along with her 6 year old daughter Cali, 2 1/2 years ago. Her owner / breeder, Marsha Ambrose, had died unexpectedly and the four Springers she had with her ended up in the care of English Springer Rescue America.
Liddie had at least 4 litters of puppies when she was with Marsha. She was, by all accounts, a wonderful mother and had beautiful puppies. Besides Cali, we have had the privilege of meeting several of her puppies and they are all wonderful examples of the breed.
Liddie - Tristar Toris Liddiette CD RE
After we adopted Liddie and Cali, she began her ”second life” and began training for obedience. Liddie earned
her CD, RN, RA and RE titles at the age of 11 with many placements and multiple wins, and had two legs toward her RAE title. She competed at the ESS National Specialty last October at age 12 and won several placements, including two brace obedience placements working alongside her daughter Cali. Liddie loved to train and was always excited when it was time to go work. She spent her last good day Sunday at the park being a demo dog for the Rally class we teach for Old Pueblo Dog Training Club in Tucson.
Liddie also became a TDI certified therapy dog. She loved working with children and participating in the Read to a Dog program at the local Library. Her happy, pleasant demeanor made her an instant hit with the kids, and in fact everyone who met her. Liddie loved everyone and was always ready to make a new friend or just say hello with a big smile and a wagging tail. She was a great ambassador for her breed and for senior rescue.
Liddie had a series of seizures Sunday night which were caused by a large, previously undiagnosed brain tumor. She never really regained cognitive function after the last seizure early Monday morning at the veterinary hospital. After an extensive neurological workup it was clear that she would never recover to the point of having the quality of life that she had enjoyed and deserved. So Wednesday we had to make the extraordinarily difficult decision to let her go.
Liddie didn’t suffer, thank goodness. She was happy and active right up until the last round of seizures Monday morning. We were with her to comfort her during her seizures and we were there to hold her and talk to her as she passed on to the rainbow bridge. While there is a huge hole in our hearts right now, we know we made the right decision to let her go with the grace and dignity that was always her style.
Thank you Queen Liddie… for all you taught us about life, and love, and the joy of just being. There will never be another one quite like you, and you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. We’ll see you again at the bridge someday. We love you and will always miss you old lady…
If any of the many people who Liddie touched would like to say thank you or goodbye, please consider making a donation to English Springer Rescue America in Liddie’s memory.
