Every good and perfect gift is from God. James 1:17a
Sierra was our gift who gave love and joy to our family. It was March of 2001 and DeWain and son Jordan went to the puppy store just to look at the puppies. They called us at home and told us to check these Golden Retrievers out. We did and she melted us with those big, round, puppy eyes that said take me home. We had driven our truck to the store and we asked our three sons what would you like to name her. Clint saw Sierra on our truck and said how about that name? It worked well and she became known as sweet Sierra to everyone. Unfortunately as time went by, because she was our first family dog, though not for DeWain, we wondered if we made a mistake. We didn’t realize how much care was involved, so we put an add in the newspaper to sell her. We received several interested callers, but we were already attached, how could we hand her over to any others, strangers. We chose to keep her for good. The best decision we could have ever made, and so thankful we did.
Sierra was full of energy and loved to take walks and hikes in the mountains and swim in the Poudre River. We gave her the nickname Skunk Fighter because she was sprayed one time for investigating this new creature that was prowling around in our back yard. She never did that again. We were all glad about that, once was enough! Sierra taught us about God’s unconditional love and grace. She loved us because we were family not what we did or did not do. She always wanted to protect us from any harm, she had a sense whenever something was not right and would comfort us with her faithful attention. We are going to miss her happy, caring heart, she was the best gift we could have ever imagined.
Sierra had to leave this world sooner than we wished, she had a tumor removed last March and it was only a matter of time she had left. Fortunately her last months were really good ones and we were surprised how well she did. We hoped to enjoy her as long as she was not in any pain or discomfort. Then a week ago, on Sunday something changed, and Monday she became some- what sad and reserved. Tuesday, she couldn’t hold her food down and repeated the same pattern for the week. Although, she stilled enjoyed her everyday walks and times with family. Thursday, we were going to take Sierra in to the doctors since she wasn’t doing well that day, but couldn’t get in until Friday. We chose to try some medicine, instead of having to go into the clinic, since she usually gets so nervous about it. Saturday night was not a good one and she could not sleep well and it was her time to finally have some peace and freedom from her condition. Sunday, August 22, 2010 was her day. We called our family all together and we all enjoyed our last moments with Sierra, she enjoyed us as well. We had Home to Heaven in-home pet euthanasia service arrive at our home after 3:00 p.m. We entered the comfort of our home where Sierra felt safe and happy. Her last moments were very peaceful, restful and relaxed. She was surrounded by all who gave her love and she responded in love to us. She went in total peace, calm and laid in rest. She was like a very content sleeping dog. We wrapped her up carefully and buried her by her favorite sitting place by the front porch. We can now look out the kitchen window and see where she once sat and where she now lays to rest. We are grateful for the wonderful and loving experience Home to Heaven allowed us to enjoy. Thank you, Jennifer for your kindness and compassion you gave us some healing and good memories for our sadness. You allowed us to have fond memories of her last hours on this earth, we appreciate that.
The Stoll Family