Robin and her husband were in PetSmart and saw a three-legged dog. Passing by, Robin jokingly remarked, ‘Honey, a three-legged dog, and a one-armed wife? We even each other out! We should get her.’ Her husband agreed.
Sandy came to their home with the rescue lady. Their two-story house posed a challenge as Sandy had yet to encounter stairs in her previous foster home and needed to navigate them. Even though the lady called twice, Sandy did not respond. But to their astonishment, Sandy came bounding up those stairs faster! She jumped up on their king-sized bed and looked at the lady as if to say, ‘I’m home!’
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Reading her documents, they learned that Sandy came from Watermelon Ranch, a rescue organization in New Mexico. Before joining them, Sandy had faced an accident, and her leg could not be saved. Sandy’s leg had been removed on September 2nd, a fateful day, Robin’s birthday. It tied the connection between them as soul buddies.
Robin has health challenges, including anxiety, depression, severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Sandy, though not officially a therapy dog, became everything to Robin. Sandy provided a sense of security and comfort. It was evident she guarded the door, ensuring Robin’s safety even at night or watching over during bath times. Sandy brought a comforting message: “I got you, Momma. You are safe.”
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Robin was bedridden for nearly a year due to severe joint pain and inflammation. Even in her darkest moments, Sandy, sensing the depression, seemed affected too. One day, Sandy refused to sit by the bed. Robin was initially unconcerned and asked what Sandy needed, but her continuous barking signaled a more profound message, urging Robin to pay attention to something important.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Robin observed a turning point with Sandy. Sandy’s persistent barking stopped as they sat up on the bed and started when Robin lay back down. This strange interaction continued, with Sandy showing a playful dance, encouraging Robin to move. It marked a remarkable day, an unusual moment challenging Robin for an encouraging movement.
In a burst of laughter, Robin learned that Sandy, through a playful dance and continuous barking, was encouraging her to get up and move. This exercise became a daily routine. Sandy motivated Robin to increase their walking activity. This exercise continued for about a month, with Sandy insisting on daily walks, even saying a fondness for Keith Urban’s “The Fighter,” seemingly singing along. This exercise created a unique blend of therapy dogs, exercise coaches, and music enthusiasts in one furry companion.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Sandy’s firm belief and support motivated Robin to keep moving forward. They shared cherished moments. As months passed, Robin noticed Sandy’s hearing was fading. Robin started teaching her sign language, stressing the message, ‘I love you.’ Their bond excelled, making Sandy more human in Robin’s eyes than anyone they had ever met.
Recorded on video, Robin taught Sandy a sign language, saying ‘I love you.’ In a heartwarming response, Sandy barked in threes, pausing between each set, confirming her understanding. Sandy’s unique communication style exhibited their extraordinary connection.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
As Sandy initiated, Robin has reduced by nearly 60 pounds, reducing her sitting time in a wheelchair. Sandy became the facilitator. In this mutual relationship, Sandy asked for nothing more and nothing less than genuine love.
Loving Sandy came as a piece of Robin’s heart as she said goodbye to her best friend. Even in her final days, Sandy displayed bravery and a protective manner. Robin was unaware of Sandy’s illness. A few days before Christmas, they rushed Sandy to the vet, who diagnosed her with recurring vestibular disease similar to vertigo. It was more challenging to nurse her back to good health; Robin’s husband provided dedicated care, lifting Sandy in and out of the house, to the bathroom, her bed, and around the kitchen. They assisted her in drinking water and feeding. The care given to Sandy was a small sacrifice compared to the immense love and joy she had brought into their lives.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Sandy returned to normal until Christmas Eve, when she exhibited similar symptoms. They visited the vet. Even eating and drinking, Robin noticed something was amiss. Robin felt unease as they covered Sandy with a blanket, placed water nearby, and went to bed.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Robin greeted Sandy with her usual warmth on Christmas morning, wishing her a Merry Christmas. To their delight, Sandy responded with energy, her tail wagging, bright eyes, and a playful manner. Robin had eagerly prayed for a miracle the previous night, asking for one more Christmas with Sandy. Robin felt they had received the miracle they prayed for. She was responsive and loving and enjoyed a day filled with treats, good sniffs, and outdoor time in pleasant weather. Sandy’s happiness gave Robin hope that the vestibular disease had passed.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
However, the day after Christmas, Sandy’s condition worsened. She was immobile, refusing food and water, and displaying signs of pain. Robin recognized the heartbreaking truth that their beloved dog was in distress.
Robin and Sandy visited the vet multiple times. On December 29th, the vet revealed that Sandy’s kidneys were failing. Robin, however, understood why Sandy persisted despite her critical condition. Sandy wanted to be there for her human even in her darkest hour.
Recognizing Sandy’s effect on their life, guiding them towards love and living again, Robin now faced the challenging task. To provide a peaceful end, they called a service called Sweet Dreams to come and gently guide Sandy into her final rest.
Sandy lay on her bed surrounded by soft blankets, a warm fireplace, and the soft glow of candles. The room was filled with the love of Robin’s children, her husband, and herself. Sandy’s favorite song, “Stay Awake” from Mary Poppins, played in the background. The emotional moment she resonated with everyone present, leading to shared tears and comforting touches on Sandy. Amidst the heartfelt farewell, Robin’s husband knelt, expressing tearful promises to care for Robin on Sandy’s behalf, creating an emotional and beautiful scene.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae
Sandy held a special place in every family member’s heart, leaving cherished memories during this difficult time. Thirteen years with Sandy, Robin’s biggest cheerleader and a source of unconditional love, taught valuable lessons about life and love. Robin expresses deep gratitude for Sandy’s profound impact on their life, recognizing her as an angel on earth and now in heaven.
Courtesy of Robin Ranae