Sandy

September 6th 2017 - January 8th, 2026

Our sweet and beautiful girl, Sandy, was born on September 6th, 2017. She was a mix of Great Pyrenees, Caucasian Shepherd, Border Collie and Lab. Our family brought her home on November 4th, 2017. While there was a whole litter of puppies we visited, my Mom picked her up and decided to not place her back down, the moment she became ours.

She was a pretty easy puppy, already housetrained and always kept herself clean. She spent most of her time outside watching over our acreage, letting us know if anything was out of place and chasing squirrels and rabbits. She kept my Dad company whenever he was working on projects outside, and stuck with my Mom whenever she was working in the garden. One of my favourite things was to play guitar or other instruments for her, sitting on the lawn together and watching her listen to the music.

I was 12 when she joined our family, and as I grew up, she grew with me. Once I got my license and car, she enjoyed car rides, walks in the city, ice cream trips, and bonfires with my friends. We even went on camping trips together, just the two of us, discovering new places together. This summer, my gut told me to take her to the mountains, a dream I’ve had of doing with her since I was 15, and I’m so grateful I did. While she had been slowing down in the summer, the mountain air gave her a different energy. She walked through lots of mountain streams, got lots of compliments and pets from strangers in any town we went to and enjoyed lots of nights sleeping in the tent, something she especially loved.

At eight years old, Sandy tore her CCL and shortly after, injured her other hind leg as well. She lost her ability to walk on her own, and watching her struggle after a life of freedom was heartbreaking. Two surgeries and recovery didn’t feel fair to her, if it was even possible at all

I so am grateful to have had someone that hurts so much to lose. Thank you for growing with me, from a home companion and protector to the best adventure partner. You made home feel like home, happily greeting us when we returned and what made leaving the hardest, no matter what length of time.

I’m grateful for all the time we got to spend together the week before having to say goodbye. We shared lots of your favourite snacks (peanuts, oranges), watched your last sunset together, had our last sleepover, played guitar and harmonica, and cooked you several steak dinners.

You loved to run and play and I’m so sorry that your legs couldn’t keep up with what you wanted to do :( I’m glad you are at least no longer in pain or weighed down by your body.

I’m sure going to miss you Sandy. Whenever I step outside into our yard, grab one of my instruments, open the back door of my car, whenever I leave or come back home, whenever I set up a tent or go on a road trip, or when my birthday comes around and all I’m going to want to do is get ice cream with you or take you on a new adventure.

You are so beautiful, loyal and sweet and I miss you so so much ❤️ I will always love you and I hope that one day we will meet again. You are the best friend I could ever ask for.

I’m so grateful for Dr. Liz and Sunset Veterinary Care who took such great care of Sandy on her last here. Despite the difficult circumstances, I’m glad Sandy was comfortable at home, peaceful and not afraid.

- Emily