Many years have passed since I lost my beloved spaniel Alix, who shared my life for almost 18 years. She lives on in my heart and in my Waterside Kennels mystery series as the inspiration for Sweet Pea. For years, that was enough.
Then, nearly a decade ago, an unexpected gift came into my life. A young Sheltie had been surrendered to a rural county sheriff’s office and was in desperate need of a safe place with people she could trust. She found that, and so much more, in her years with us.
Today, we gave her the last gift we could, and released her from her pain and suffering. I held her in my arms, my heart breaking as she slipped away.
Run free, sweet girl, and know that you will always be in my heart.

Ozark Summer Highlands Sasha 2014 – 2024
If love alone could heal, you would have lived forever.
Susan, I am heartbroken for you. Sending love and hugs.
Thank you, Susan. She truly was a wonderful gift, never to be forgotten. ~S
So very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful, happy companion. She will be missed. Hugs.
Thank you, Jack. I will miss that happy girl for the rest of my life. ~S
Oh, Susan, it’s hard when doing the right thing for your companion leaves such a hole in your life. Hugs and lovel
Susan, I am saddened to hear of the loss of your sweet Sasha. I’m holding you in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Pam Belcher
Thank you, Pam. The support of friends like you helps to ease the pain of losing her. ~S
Thank you, Sue. Sasha was a wonderful dog, and I will be forever grateful for our time together. ~S
Oh, so so hard. She was beautiful. You loved her enough to let her fly free. Hugs.
Thank you, Dawn. In the end, letting her go was the only thing I could do for her. I will miss her forever. ~S
I felt the same when I let my Katie-girl go. It was an incredibly hard but in the end easy decision. She slid away so fast I know she was ready. But I sooooo miss her.