It is with a heavy heart and through tears that I share the loss of our girl, Elsa. She passed very peacefully yesterday, June 22, 2026. She was surrounded with love; my husband, Riggs and myself. Her favorite place in the last couple of months was lying as close as possible at my side; and if I wasn’t there she voiced her opinion daily. Especially after dinner, she wanted me in my place so that she could be in hers. This special place was where she left us.

We are completely broken in her absence. Fifteen years is a long time. And a love like we had is a gift like no other. There is no getting over something as monumental as this; there is only trying to get on with life as best we can.

As many of you know, Elsa had been dealing with many medical issues over the years. She was truly a pillar of strength and an example that I have and am trying to mirror. Elsa never let anything hold her down; even when she could barely walk she got up and went; getting up with each trip, stumble and full fall. As she worked through a spinal stroke at the age of only 8 years old; constant uti’s, high blood pressure (causing 6 hour seizures), bad kidneys, laryngeal paralysis, vestibular disease and a large mass on her lungs she was an example for all. She just pushed through as if to say to the universe “that all ya got?”

Her favorite thing in the world was her family, especially her babies and puppies. We called her our Nanny Dog because she just wanted to take care of all the babies. I cannot tell you how many images I have with her and most of our Grandchildren. Her typical greeting to those she loved was squinty eyes and a tiny or big smile. Elsa was a greeting smiler and it was very special when you were on the receiving end of one.

Miss Elsa joined us as #4k9 at the time; with 3 canine family members. We brought her home and let her into the backyard where she made the rounds like she’d lived here for years. She was simply a joy from day one and I cannot imagine my life now without her. Our relationship was very different from any others. We were more like women partners, equals as she was such a highly intelligent, gentle, and caring matriarch by my side. We matriarched as a team.

After Luke passed (January 2015) we were inseparable and our connection grew even stronger. And then in December 2019, Riggs joined our family. He was not Luke but the connection between her and Riggs grew strong over time. As we prepared to say our goodbyes on the couch yesterday; Riggs came to her and they kissed for sometime. It was a very special and heart wrenching moment.

As we neared the end; days were spent discussing… when. It is NEVER an easy decision but we were clear on our parameters. We did not want to take one good moment away from her; but, we did not want her to suffer one moment.

With Elsa’s determination I had started to think that we might just make it to her 16th birthday. But this past weekend things started to become difficult for her. There had been a few signs in the couple of days before. But up until this weekend she had always rallied. Even when we thought “I think this is it,” she rallied like “just kidding, I’m fine.” So for us, it has been quite a while living on the edge. Elsa was strong, like many dogs; she loved her life and wanted to live.

Sunday night we knew. We slept on the couch with her, just in case she needed to go out. I was awake most of the night; holding her face in my hand as I finally drifted off. Then waking with her barking at me and I again fell asleep, this time her paw in my hand.

We had decided long ago, right after Luke was humanely euthanized (January 2015) that we would always do it at home if it was possible. I made the call Monday morning and the appointment was set. I just held her for most of the morning. Her favorite thing now was lying beside Mom on the couch, so that is what we did in her last hours.

Human nature leads us to second guessing with this horrific decision making and we went through it. But it is our job and our job alone to end suffering in our dogs. It is a job that no one wants; but it is essential when we love our dogs.

Elsa joined our family with a bang. She lived and loved her life all through her 15 years. She left very, very peacefully surrounded by her human and k9 family. Our hearts are broken and we are having a difficult time of it. But so is Riggs and he is my main concern. He was there by her side through it and I’m really not sure what he understands of it all. He is very meloncholy. He has eaten and gone for a walk this morning but he is extremely sad.

Anyone who ever had the priviledge of meeting Elsa were very lucky. She loved people. She was a very, very special dog. She was the type of dog that anyone would want to live with. Elsa was perfect in every possible way. Her heart was huge. With sheer determination and stubborness, she was not going until she was truly done.

The house is empty and quiet. Elsa had a cough in her last months and I missed even that this morning as I came down the stairs… alone. We had carried and assisted her up and down the stairs for seven years. With each issue she rallied with us by her side. I sat in silence on the couch until Riggs came down today. Nothing is the same; the house, Riggs and we are not right; there is an absence and heavy sadness that will only heal with time and memories. There are memories, so many memories with my girl.

We will get through together, but we will never get over.

I loved this girl with all of my heart and soul.