Every story has a beginning , a middle and an end. And as the saying goes, when one door closes another one will open.
Saturday night (Sunday morning 12/19/21) I had to say good-bye to my sweet little Miranda.
How did her story start? Well, it started with me saying goodbye to my sweet Zoe. Who would have ever imagined that the morning I went to go put Zoe to sleep, I would receive a call that afternoon telling me that there was a long hair, black and tan female dachshund that needed to come to rescue and they thought she would be perfect for me to do the therapy work Zoe was leaving behind. Do our past furry friends’ souls bring us our new furry friend? I think so. It was meant to be for Miranda to come to me and continue what Zoe, my blue merle aussie, started.
I have always called Miranda my $10,000.00 8 lb baby. First, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would own a dog that was 8 lbs. She was small, but boy was she mighty! And with a huge will to live. Miranda was tattooed that she was spayed. That was great until, after having her for a few months, she went into heat. Hum, that was novel. We planned on having her spayed (for real) once she was through with her cycle.
Before that could happen, as I was sitting at my desk, I looked over at Miranda and she did not look well. I ran her to my vet who in turn told me to run and get her an emergency ultrasound. Fifteen minutes later she was being rushed in for emergency pyometra surgery. They cut his little girl from stem to stern. As she was healing, I found she had a hernia. We were going to have the vets fix the hernia when she had her teeth done. She had horrible teeth and a really bad mouth infection. So we definitely wanted those teeth cleaned. In two years, she had a total of 14 teeth removed. Yep, dachshunds can have horrible teeth. Through all of that, she was a little powerhouse.
Next up, 6 months later we went on to pass our Pet Partners evaluations for her to be a therapy dog. Bob oh boy, did she love this. If you have ever
seen a little miss priss that wiggle waggled her hips when walking, it was Miranda. If she wanted pets, she would sit up on her hind legs like a gopher or prairie dog. I taught her to play patty cake and lord, was she cute, with her pink flowers on her collar, and tiny pink harness.
Miranda and I volunteered for Children’s Health, Medical City Children’s, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, an Alzheimer’s group and many other facilities over the years. We did lots of one off visits such as the Crimes Against Children’s Conference, Snowball Express and many other gatherings.
I still marvel, all these years later, how different it is working a small dog versus a big dog.
Saturday night, she started breathing funny and her nose was running, what turned out to be blood. I ran her to the emergency clinic and they promptly put her into an oxygen chamber. Three hours and many tests later, I made the difficult decision to put her to sleep. She was struggling and suffering. I never want one of my dogs to suffer. She had fluid in her lungs and it appeared as if she was in heart failure. I hated saying goodbye among people who do not know us or our history. It felt so cold and clinical for this sweet girl. I wasn’t even able to hold her to give her one last hug and 
kiss because out of the oxygen chamber, she was drowning in her liquid filled lungs and I wanted them to put her out of her pain quickly.
This may be the end of Miranda’s physical story but hopefully the start for another. I loved this little lady with a passion. She gave back to society with such joy. She will be wholeheartedly missed by me and by all the other lives she touched.
Fly free my little girl. There are lots of friends to meet you on the other side.
Oh Robin, I am so very sorry to hear of Miranda’s passing. I know her memory will continue to be a blessing to you.
We are so sad about this. Miranda was a special girl and we will never forget her.
I’m so sorry for both you and Miranda. These angels come to us when we need each other. They fill our lives with magic and when it’s time to leave they give us a piece of themselves to fill our hearts with their love. Truly, they are gifts from God. And, we never forget them. They wiggle into our hearts and stay forever, even when we can’t feel their warmth and wet tongues. Prayers for your heart until you meet again at the Bridge.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful puppy and loving story!!!
I am so sorry for your loss. Miranda was such a sweet girl that easily brought a smile to my face when I saw her. You both were so blessed to have each other. Sending much love and hugs to you and your fur family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so heartbreaking. I never met Miranda but she sure sounded like a wonderful family member. My husband and I are deeply sorry for your loss.
We’re weeping with you in your sadness and very much appreciating the joy she brought. She will be missed. Wishing you good grieving, Robin!
Robin,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Miranda. She was such a sweet girl and such an excellent therapy buddy for Abby. My sincere condolences to you.
Greta and Abby
Robin – I am so sorry for your loss. What a sweet story! She lived a very fulfilling life!
I’m so sorry for your loss of your best friend. I’m sure she had a wonderful life with you full of love.
Robin, Todd & I are so sorry to hear about Miranda. Your beautiful story brought tears to my eyes. You had a wonderful life together and we hope that warm memories of those great times will help ease the pain of losing your precious sweet girl.
Robin, Richard & I are so sorry to hear about Miranda. She was obviously so special, & I’m so glad that you were her mama. I know that you gave her the best life possible. She clearly brought joy to so many with you.
We were so sad to read this. May your happy memories of Miranda help ease the pain of grief. I will also email you some updates on Josey. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays… Phyllis, Tim and Josey
Robin,
I’m so sorry to hear about Miranda’s passing. What a special bond you 2 had and so many happy memories! Thank you for sharing the endearing story of her life. XOXO, Pilar
Robin Jeff and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Dogs are our family members and we know how hard it is loose one. God put her in your life for a reason and you will see her again in another season. Our prayers of comfort are being sent your way. ❤️🐾❤️
Oh Robin…so sorry! Great story and great work that you did together!❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing Miranda’s story. She sounds like she was a little pup who lived big and with passion and enthusiasm. It’s clear you loved her completely, so know you are grieving something awful.
I hope Miranda is looking for the next great dog to send you. It feels like a gift of our dog’s unconditional love that our hearts are open to loving the next sweet pup that is sent our way.
Sending you a virtual hug.
I’m so sorry to see this, Robin, she sounds like an amazing girl. Thank you for allowing us to learn about her and how she helped you reach others – wishing you happy memories and so happy you hung in there with her through her early times.
We are so sorry for your loss…
Randy and Becky
Robin,
What a wonderful life you gave to this sweet girl. Thank you for sharing her story, and I am heartbroken for your loss of a soul you loved so dearly. She was so very lucky to have you.