Change Is Hard

…but change is certain.

Saying goodbye to Payton

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Angel Katie here.

You know I keep track of my mama and daddy even though I’m across the bridge, right? So I know when they’re upset. Thursday night I noticed mama had wet eyes so I paid extra special attention and wasn’t surprised when she started talking to me.

Don’t we look alike? That’s Payton on the right.

I’m a very good listener.

She said that Payton, my half sister, was going to be crossing the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, the very next day, and she wanted to make sure I’d be waiting for her so that Payton would have someone there right away to show her around.

She didn’t want Payton to be alone as she arrived.

We are both very happy girls.

Well of course I told mama not to worry, I’d be right there, first in line to greet her as soon as she arrived, cause after all, she’s my little sister!

Payton and I met a couple years ago when our moms got us together to go for a walk, way back in July of 2021. It was pretty warm and we were both mature so there wasn’t a lot of playing between us. But we did sniff hello and go on a congenial walk around Payton’s large estate.

She enjoyed sharing her home with me. She lived in a beautiful place.

Most of the time while the folks were sitting around talking we were hanging around snoozing.

A nap on the deck is always a good thing.

Or sneaking treats from the other’s mom or dad. Sometimes mama said she couldn’t tell us apart, especially from the back.

We knew how to work it, that’s for sure!

We were good about taking turns getting treats.

Then in May of 2022 Payton and her folks came over to my house and I showed her and her sister Tally around my park.

The two of us and our dads. We were already discussing how to thwart the moms taking pictures.

We had so much fun together, we even conspired to give the moms a hard time getting pictures of us, just for fun. But you know how moms are, they’re pretty stubborn, and they got a few good images of us.

She looked so beautiful in the afternoon sun.

Secretly I’m glad they did. Now that we’re both gone I think the pictures will give our parents some comfort, you know?

We were giggling because the moms couldn’t get us to sit together for a picture!

Payton was a very smart little girl, she even earned her UDX title in Obedience and she did rally and agility too!

Payton and I were not impressed with mom wanting a yellow flower shot.

Payton loved her mom and her dad very much, but she was definitely a daddy’s girl, helping him do the yardwork and enjoying a daily golf cart ride with him to inspect her estate.

She loved her folks so much.

She lived to be 15 years old, just like me, and just like me she was tired at the end, but she had a very wonderful life, and she lived every minute of it to the fullest.

Payton had the best smile.

She was a feisty little girl that managed her household and she will be missed so much by her family and friends.

But don’t worry everybody, we’re together now and healthy and happy. There’s so much to do here, so many things to sniff, and we have so many friends with us, why there’s always a game of ball to play, and walks to take and soft beds to nap on.

“Come on Katie, let’s mess with the moms again!”

And don’t get us started about the treats! My oh my, there’s any flavor we might want, and we can have as many as we want! It’s crazy!

Anyway, I know those of you that knew Payton will miss her terribly, but I wanted to reassure you that she’s just fine and when it’s time we’ll both be right here, along with all your doggie friends and fur babies, waiting to show you around.

“We’ll wait for you guys to get here!”

Well, Payton and I have a nice walk scheduled next, we’re going to explore that meadow of wildflowers over there, so we have to go for now. But we’ll be watching you, and if you get sad again know that we’ll be right there.

Promise.

Payton. Never forgotten, loved forever.

Shelties are always loyal and we love you all very much.

Talk later,

Your Sheltie girls, Payton and Katie

Author: dawnkinster

I'm a long time banker having worked in banks since the age of 17. I took a break when I turned 50 and went back to school. I graduated right when the economy took a turn for the worst and after a year of library work found myself unemployed. I was lucky that my previous bank employer wanted me back. So here I am again, a long time banker. Change is hard.

39 thoughts on “Saying goodbye to Payton

  1. Oh Dawn, I can imagine how hard this post was for you to write. I’m so glad though that our animals will be waiting for us. Many times, I think they have a hand in the animals that come our way after they have passed. Beautiful photos.

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  2. Oh so sorry. They certainly look like sisters. They had nice long lives but I know too well, it wasn’t long enough.

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  3. Such a beautiful tribute. Sending much love to Payton’s parents, and to you.

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  4. Oh, Katie…my eyes are leaking. I am so sorry that Payton’s mom & dad are missing her so much. You are a wonderful big sister to have met Payton at the bridge and show her the wonderful, unlimited goodness, light, treats and beautiful walks to take. Two beautiful sheltie girls…we love and miss you so…💕

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  5. Aww, in our brains we know our sweet pups won’t live as long as we do, but it sure is hard to say goodbye when our hearts are breaking. You’re a good big sister welcoming Payton to your side. Thank you for sharing your story.

    When my litter Aero passsed almost 2 yrs ago, I knew his older brother Gideon would be there to welcome him too. And our other dog Oreo is there too. Heaven is full of dogs and all of God’s innocent creatures. I’m sure you are all politely sniffing and enjoying the perfect weather. 🐾🤎

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    • There is some comfort in knowing they are together again. One of my biggest fears was that Katie would be scared to be somewhere without us, but I know there were so many dog friends already there that she was never truly alone. Yours aren’t alone either.

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  6. Dear Angel Katie–you are still the best, sweet girl. Payton must have been so glad to see you. This made me cry, but I think they were mostly happy tears–for you and for Payton. ❤

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  7. Angel Katie, it’s good hearing from you, even if you have to bring us such sad news about Payton. She looks like one of those tiny Shelties (I’ve always had “big buster boys”!). Anyway, I’m glad she’s got you there to show her the ropes, and I know her parents (and everybody who loved her) must have leaky eyes over her departure. Will they be looking for another Sheltie, maybe?

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  8. Ohhh my eyes are leaking! What a beautiful, beautiful post. I am so deeply sorry about the loss of Payton, but I am sure you are taking wonderful care of her Angel Katie. This was just the most beautiful post ((((hugs))) and my deepest sympathy to all

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  9. Great tribute to Payton from sheltie-angel-Katie.

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  10. This sure brought tears to my eyes. Two beautiful girls, and they do look like sisters. Farewell, sweet dog.

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  11. I never “met” you Angel Katie, but I am glad you are there to welcome your half-sister Payton and show her the ropes, er … the great places to run and play together like you two were young pups again.

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  12. The love never ends, does it. Nope, not ever.

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  13. Glad Katie was there to greet her and show her the best places. Our pup, Ivy is almost there, too. It’s difficult to watch and I wish she’d perk up when she heard a squirrel chirp at her, or when a chipmunk dashed across the deck in front of her. It’s tough to see the dog who loved you unconditionally and made you smile isn’t there anymore. Take care and Peace.

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    • Awwww. I’m sorry Clay, about your Ivy-girl. I think you’ve mentioned her before, and I’ve been wondering how she was. I’m sorry she’s not the same dog..it’s soooo hard to see them slow down and then almost disappear. Sending you and your family a big hug.

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  14. Angel Katie,

    Thank you for letting us know you’re out there watching over your mama and daddy from the other side of the bridge. I’m sure Payton was glad to see you when she arrived.

    And if you happen to see another Sheltie, that could be my own Angel Sasha who crossed the bridge two months ago. She was much younger than you and might be lonely. Perhaps she could tag along when you and Angel Payton go for a walk.

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    • Oh I’m sure Katie has found your Sasha. She was always so good about finding another sheltie in a crowd. I bet she’s shown Sasha all around and all of our sheltie friends are playing in that beautiful wildflower meadow together. Especially your young Sasha. No way would Katie let her feel lonely! Sending you and your family a big hug. I know this is soooo very hard.

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  15. Oh Katie, I’m so glad you were there to welcome Payton. Shelties belong together.

    Hugs to all who loved her.

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  16. Pingback: Fly high,Tally | Change Is Hard

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