Fit For Our #FiveSibes Alpha Queen: Celebrating Harley's 14½ Birthday




Born on March 10, 2005, our beautiful alpha queen, pupster surrogate momma, and my daughter's and our first Siberian Husky,  turns 14½ today!

You may be wondering why are we celebrating her half birthday? Because, as heartbreaking as it is, we now know she will not be here in March to celebrate her 15th Birthday as I once had hoped.


Heartfelt thanks to Ann at Zoolatry for this beautiful badge.
Thank you all who are sharing it and joining paws for our girl.

As amazing and strong as our queen has been, and how proud I have been of how she still could outrun Pupsters Wolf and Bandit, still splash in her pool like a puppy, tear up a dog bed like there's no tomorrow, and chase her tail until the sun sets, our beloved Husky leader has also been dealing with health issues that we have been treating, but are now slowing her down and, heartbreakingly we are preparing ourselves for her journey, that we as pet parents all dread, to the Rainbow Bridge. 

“Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”
~Agnes Sigh Turnbull

Harley began with some health issues back in March of this year, to which we have successfully treated to date. However, this past month has seen her body betray her, slowly at first, and now we fear the breakthrough pain is becoming too much for her treatment, and before it reaches a level that would be too much for her, it is becoming clear her time with us here is nearing an end. 

Each day has been filled with love, and I won't sugarcoat it, many, many tears. There is an awful squeezing in my chest that is my heart breaking into a billion pieces knowing our days are numbered. Still hurting from the sudden loss of our Chloe this past June, I am once again reeling from the thought of losing Harley. Our beautiful pack queen will be joining her true love Gibson and her "adopted" pupster Chloe, who I know are waiting together for her at the Rainbow Bridge, to guide her and stay with her forever in those forever snowy fields farther north of the Rainbow Bridge, where only Siberians go.

So today, on her "half" birthday...we celebrate her. Her amazing life, her bravery, her momma instincts for three puppies who were not of her blood, and for showing us all about joy, zest, Siberian Husky will, and embracing and loving life as only a dog can. So it's her favorite - vanilla ice cream for all!

 This has been a week of memories, smiles, tears, and lots of bacon,
burgers, pizza crust, and ice cream for our queen. Oh, how I wish we had more time...so much more time...but, sadly, we do not. Anything more would be selfish and it would be only for me and my broken heart; I owe her more. She deserves the best. And this gut-wrenching decision has to be about her, and her only. Three different calls to the vet, and two postponements behind me, but I think the time has arrived when we are out of postponements. I do not see a failing dog, as others see, but rather an amazing senior girl whose youthful beauty still shines through in my eyes.

  
My goodness, where did almost 15 years go? 


So, in honor of Harley's 14½ Birthday, please give your beloved pets an extra hug and kiss, and extra toss of a ball, play her favorite game Fetch in her honor, and say a prayer with wishes that for her that her final journey on this plane she will feel all the love in our hearts and that it will be very peaceful for her, as she leaves to meet Gibson and Chloe, and all the other amazing fur friends we have made over the many years we here at FiveSibes have been part of this amazing blogging and online community.

  In these days leading up until then...she will be wrapped in so much love and tears, along with as much ice cream, bacon, and pizza as her dear queenly heart desires...but, as for me, I am so not ready...not at all.

 



A Note to our Devoted FiveSibes Readers: We here at FiveSibes will be taking a blogging break to spend time with Harley. Both  of our Blog Hops -- #WaitingWednesday and #FlashbackFriday will be on a hiatus as well. Thank you for understanding.



Comments

  1. 24 Paws of LoveSeptember 11, 2019 at 12:18 AM

    OMD Dorothy, I'm so saddened to hear about Harley. I don't know what to say especially after losing Chloe. My heart goes out to you and your family.

    I'm glad you had a 14.5 Birthday for her.

    We will be thinking about you. <3

    ReplyDelete
  2. ZoolatrySeptember 11, 2019 at 4:40 AM

    Sending our love and gentle woofs to your beautiful Harley. May your time together be full and well and may you both be blessed in the days to come.
    Fondly, Ann

    ReplyDelete
  3. easyweimaranerSeptember 11, 2019 at 9:40 AM

    we send lots of POTP and hugs...

    ReplyDelete
  4. SandeeSeptember 11, 2019 at 9:45 AM

    Sending your entire family love and hugs during this difficult time. They are so precious and they embed themselves in our hearts forever. Special lovies to Harley. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tails Around the RanchSeptember 11, 2019 at 10:11 AM

    Oh Dorothy, I"m so very sorry to hear this news. Plese know we're sending oodles of poodles of tender thoughts to your Queen and her pack (whether they are 2 or 4-legged). Digital hugs and tail wags.

    ReplyDelete
  6. SueSeptember 11, 2019 at 10:49 AM

    We've been thru it four times in the past year so we know all the feelings your experiencing. Our thoughts are with you and your pack. Cherish every moment.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Menagerie MomSeptember 11, 2019 at 10:57 AM

    We are sending happy 14.5th birthday wishes to sweet Harley, and lots and lots of prayers and POTP to Harley and the entire family.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lola The Rescued CatSeptember 11, 2019 at 11:04 AM

    Happy 14 1/2 birthday, Harley! We're sending lot of purrs and positive energy to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yamini MacLeanSeptember 11, 2019 at 11:44 AM

    Hari om
    My darling angel Jade was the same age when the call came...11 years on, your post wrenches my heart with the memory. The Love never leaves. Sending you much POTP for a special last few days and a wonderfurs 14.5 barkday to Harley!!! Hugs and wags YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Deziz WorldSeptember 11, 2019 at 11:48 AM

    Happy Birthday Harley. We're sendin' hugs and purrayers.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

    ReplyDelete
  11. TimberLoveSeptember 11, 2019 at 11:51 AM

    Happy half birthday beautiful puppy. We send love and respect. Safe travels our furry friend - in your own time- prayers from the human at this hardest of times,

    Nuk & family

    ReplyDelete
  12. The Swiss CatsSeptember 11, 2019 at 11:51 AM

    We heard of Harley thanks to Ann from Zoolatry, and we're sending you purrs, hugs and love for the days to come. Purrs

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Florida FurkidsSeptember 11, 2019 at 12:23 PM

    Sweet Harley, we hope you ARE here for your 15th but we also know you are loved and your family will make the right decisions for you. Happy 14-1/2!!!

    The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  14. lexitheschnauzerSeptember 11, 2019 at 12:41 PM

    I'm going home tonight to play with my schnauzer girl. Than you for the reminder. I know you will cherish and make the most of these last few months together. Wishing you peace.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sweet William The ScotSeptember 11, 2019 at 1:23 PM

    We pray she can enjoys these days of grace and that Harley has an easy journey to the place where she will wait for her family.
    Sweet William The Scot

    ReplyDelete
  16. Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and GrannySeptember 11, 2019 at 1:36 PM

    Extra Healing Pawkisses for your 14,5th Birthday, sweet Harley and Purrayers for all of you💗💗💗

    ReplyDelete
  17. LindaSeptember 11, 2019 at 1:47 PM

    May you have cake and ice cream on this special day.
    We wish for you sweet kisses from your mom and warm hugs.
    ♥ Astro and Mitzie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs September 11, 2019 at 2:05 PM

    We are so very sorry the hear that it is almost time for Harley to go to the Rainbow Bridge. Purrs of Comfort and Paws of Sympathy for all of you. Sending love and healing from all of us here at Alasandra, The Cats & Dogs

    ReplyDelete
  19. HollySeptember 11, 2019 at 2:33 PM

    Happy birthday Harley. Enjoy all your love and extra treats. Dorothy I’m sorry she’s failing faster than you expected. Celebrate the love you have for as long as you can.

    ReplyDelete
  20. My Mind's EyeSeptember 11, 2019 at 2:46 PM

    Dear Harely's family.
    I send you my deepest heart felt understanding and hugs to you as you spend much deserved quality time with your Queen Harley.
    Hugs Cecilia aka Mom to Angel Madi

    ReplyDelete
  21. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥September 11, 2019 at 3:05 PM

    Happy 14 1/2 years old birthday to you, Harley. You have been fighting hard for a long time now. And it seems you are letting your family know that it is getting very difficult for you. The waiting and the deciding can be so hard on all. Hugs to everyone and enjoy this day and as many days as you all have together.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

    ReplyDelete
  22. Brian's Home BlogSeptember 11, 2019 at 3:19 PM

    Oh dear Harley, we're so sorry for the tough challenges you've had lately and we all send love and hugs your way along with special hugs to your special Mom. You touched so many hearts.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Erin the Cat PrincessSeptember 11, 2019 at 4:43 PM

    We wish you the Very Best, most special and most loving of blogging Birthday wishes to you, Harley. May your family always be with you, wherever you may be, so the sun will always shine and the hearth be forever warming and welcome, and a place for family and good cheer and memory....
    Gentle purrs
    ERin & Mrs H.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Catscue Cat MomSeptember 11, 2019 at 5:14 PM

    Purrs and prayers and POTP for your Sweet Harley. Happy 14.5 amazing girl!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jans Funny FarmSeptember 11, 2019 at 5:41 PM

    Oh, how we know the feelings you are going through. It is so hard to prepare to say good-bye to one of our beloved furries. Our hearts break along with yours.

    ReplyDelete
  26. DukeSeptember 11, 2019 at 6:01 PM

    Happy Birthday, beautiful Harley. Enjoy every single day to the fullest. Hugs to all of you♥

    ReplyDelete
  27. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and MomSeptember 11, 2019 at 8:57 PM

    Happy 14.5 Birthday, dear Harley. And to your family....this is so heartbreaking. A time that every pet parent knows will come one day. Treasure each and every minute you have left together and keep all the good memories of the past safely tucked away in your heart. Sending our prayers and lots of POTP, love, and many hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  28. John BellenSeptember 11, 2019 at 9:35 PM

    I have not visited before, but I read that Harley was celebrating her 14th and a half birthday, so I came over to wish her well. I believe it's true that no matter how long a life is, the true measure of its quality is how it is spent, and surely, as loved and loving as Harley clearly is, her life is truly a treasure. Happy half-birthday, Harley!

    ReplyDelete
  29. RubySeptember 11, 2019 at 11:44 PM

    Oh Harley, I'm sorry to hears abouts your health problems my furiend. Butts, we *cough* SENIOR *cough* doggies do seem to have some. I hopes your 14.5 Burthday is the bestest EVERS!!! I am sendin' lots of cakes and IScreams and margaritas just for you! Ma said she will gives me lots of hugs (I don't do hugs, butts for you, I will let her hugs me! BOL!), and play some extra ball with me in your honor! I hopes she gives me extra treaties too....☺ sendin' your Moms lots and lots of AireZens and {{{hugs}}}}
    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BURTHDAY!!!!
    Lots of love and
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  30. pilch92September 12, 2019 at 1:38 PM

    Happy 14 and a half beautiful girl! Sending you hugs as you go through this tough time. XO

    ReplyDelete
  31. catladymacSeptember 12, 2019 at 4:18 PM

    Sending Birthday wishes to sweet Harley - along with some purrayers and POTP !

    ReplyDelete
  32. Shoko NeilsonSeptember 12, 2019 at 4:39 PM

    If it was not for Zoolatry Ann we would neverknow you were out there. We know now and send the POTP to the entire family. When the time is near I feel we all need the support and assistance of friends. It is arough time. Know all or thoughts and they are happy thoughts are with you.

    Harley, although we are cats we send you purrs and whisker kisses for a great 14 and a half birthday celebration.

    Shoko, Budd, Tebe and mom Jean

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dash Kitten CrewSeptember 12, 2019 at 7:52 PM

    You have been lucky to have such a wonderful dog for so long. What a joy and a pleasure she is to see.

    I sincerely hope your 14.5 birthday is epic, and kind and fun with treats, and joy and so much love.

    ReplyDelete
  34. TimberLoveSeptember 13, 2019 at 4:39 PM

    Gentle woooos,

    ReplyDelete
  35. Timmy TomcatSeptember 14, 2019 at 8:43 AM

    We send our purrs and prayers of support. Harley has given so much in her life and we know you all have given back just as much.
    Timmy, Dad Pete and Family

    ReplyDelete

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