Friday, May 16, 2008

Georgia on My Mind



Georgia is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie, and her work ethic reflects her breeding. She was one of a litter of puppies my sister's dog had 11 years ago, and is the spitting image of my favorite childhood pet named Suzie. She earned the nickname "Georgia" from her Tennessee family, and it just stuck once she came to live with us.

The journey to Georgia for Georgia was not pretty. We were a family of 6 crammed into our car, and adding a car-sick 5 month old puppy to a 6+ hour drive was not my idea of "getting away from it all." Vomiting in close quarters is contagious, that's all I'm saying.

Once here, Georgia embraced the farm life with her boundless energy and exuberance and joy of being a dog and she thoroughly loved living on 100 acres of non-stop adventure. She joined our other dog, a rather middle-aged old man of a Lab named Blackjack, who was less than enthusiastic about this young, bouncy whippersnapper; yet Georgia ignored his frumpy nature and cajoled and nipped and often lured him into a game of tag; and she gradually warmed her way into Blackjack's heart and into ours.

Georgia is a dog who loves to please. She typifies the Southern belle image her name evokes and frequently sits with her front paws crossed in grand lady-like style. We often pronounce her name with a French sounding accent to give her an added air of sophistication. She is affectionate and fun and protective and terrified of thunder. Georgia is not perfect and she sometimes scares the phone guy by her zeal to defend the family. (My youngest says that Georgia is so protective of our home because she's the "alfalfa" female of the farm.) She loves to swim and hunt and hang out with our new Lab, Maddie. Tuesday was a typical day for her: she and Maddie cornered a critter under some boards, took a swim in our pond, visited Neighbor Dog, roamed our woods, cleared the varmints out of our pasture, and escorted me down our driveway when I came home. Wednesday we got up to a very sick Georgia, and a sad diagnosis and grim prognosis from our vet.

Yesterday Georgia's life ended. My husband buried her next to our little barn, and my little one planted flowers on her grave. It rained all day.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photo love the red clay.

Suzanne said...

Oh Cathy,....I'm so sorry. Georgia was beautiful, and reading about her life, she had a beautiful nature about her as well. I'm sure she will be so very missed. ((Hugs))

Free Art Printables said...

Those dogs look like they are having blast! My puppy would love that. Thanks for stopping by my blog for a visit!
Jen R

Pam said...

Cathy, I'm so sorry about Georgia.
Hugs,
Pam

kimmyk said...

aww.
sorry to hear about your georgia.

i got my first dog almost 4 years ago, actually it was this month that i got dan and prior to that i never understood people who had dogs-like how their dog became a part of their family and took on the role and personality of a family member, but once i got dan, i totally got *it*. they're family and when we lose one it's like losing a small piece of ourselves.

my heart goes out to you and your family for your loss.

she was a beautiful animal.

Tipper said...

So sorry about Georgia. Just stumbled onto your blog and it is really great!

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Cathy (((((((hugs)))))))) I am so sorry about Georgia. Sending good thoughts your family's way (((((more hugs)))))

Lori said...

Cathy, i am so sorry to hear about your sweet Georgia...*HUGS*...

Runner Girl said...

So sorry for your loss. We lost two beloved boxers this past year, and only time (and new puppies) have healed our hearts. Blessings to you and your family as you grieve.

Heidi said...

I'm sorry to read this. {hugs}

Farmhouse Blessings said...

I'm so sorry. I could sense your love for Georgia in your post. What a dear! I'm so glad that you were able to love and care for her.

Blessings,
Lea

Carolee said...

Cathy, I'm so sorry...We lost a Border Collie a few years ago, and now have two Aussies - they're such wonderful, intelligent, sweet companions.

Sending {{{hugs}}}...

~ Carolee

Hallowed Hill Primitives said...

We're so sorry to hear about Georgia, Cathy. Remember, all dogs go to heaven.

Sarah & Barb

Samantha said...

I'm so sorry, I weep for you, truly I do... I recently posted about losing our dog Willie a couple of years ago, how I still miss him so. They certainly get deep down in our hearts...

You wrote a lovely tribute to Georgia. I am sure she will be in your heart always.

Hilary said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. Sounds like she was one of the great ones. I love the "alfalfa dog" reference from your little one. It evoked a warm smile in an otherwise sad post.

Julie said...

Oh, Cathy. Im just so sorry about Miss Georgia. Dogs are the best, aren't they?
You made her life sound so beautiful and happy. I'm so glad you have such wonderful memories of and with her.
Blessings,
Julie

meg said...

Oh, Cathy~ I was smiling along with your tales of Georgia, picturing her joy of life; the sudden ending was a blow, but nothing to what you all must be feeling. I'm so sorry.

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss.

With love,
Jennifer

Jen said...

So sorry for your loss.
It sounds like Georgia had a wonderful life and loved her family. You were lucky to have her.

Debbie Miller of Onion Patch said...

I'm so sorry Cathy. This has brought me to tears. I know how close you can be to an animal and no longer have them.
Again my heart goes out to you and your family.