This memorial tribute has been a long time coming because it is one of the most difficult ones we have ever had to write.
The pain of this loss is so surreal to us, and even though this is the nature of the work we do, each loss breaks you differently. In this case, we have simply been unable to find the right words to share our pain.
Back in December, one of our longtime Sanctuary residents gained her Angel wings; our beautiful Abigail. Her passing was sudden, completely unexpected, and we had to ask ourselves how our hearts will go on without her.
Abbie was truly a beautiful soul both inside and out. She had a heart like no other and her loss has left a gaping hole in our hearts that is simply indescribable.
Abigail arrived at our Sanctuary a frail and very broken little girl – both physically and mentally. She had originally been purchased as a Christmas present for a young child who was sadly permitted to mistreat her and would throw her around like a toy. The final incident culminated in the child throwing her to the floor so hard her leg broke.
The family, unable to afford vet care to help her, surrendered her to a rescue 2 days later for life saving care, but vet care itself was not enough to heal the damage that had been done. It was decided she would come to Sanctuary.
Abbie became a very big part of our Paws Give Me Purpose Sanctuary family from the moment she walked her casted body through our doors. She became our spokes-dog for educating others not to purchase dogs as holiday gifts, she was every dog’s friend, and every human’s love. Her will to live was amazing, her resilience inspiring. She thrived, always enjoyed receiving attention and affection, a nice lap to sit on, a bed to curl up in, and sunbathing in the yard while barking at the chirping birds and outdoor sounds. She was a connoisseur of the homemade meals and treats we serve here; she never missed a crumb. Most importantly, she learned to love and trust humans again.
Her favorite time of day was called “small dog time”. Small dog time was an exclusive time set aside after dinner for Abbie and her small group of special friends to have one on one attention from a staff member or volunteer. She would get so excited she would do a tiny dance and be the first to start climbing the person sitting with their group. If you stopped petting her, she would paw you for more again and again – all she wanted was to be loved.
Special needs dogs are not different from any other dog when it comes to being a dog – they love just as much! Most special needs dogs do not even know they are special needs. The only difference is they may have certain additional needs that require a little more attention or dedication and Abigail was well worth all the effort!
To simply say we miss Abigail would be an understatement; it’s much more than that word implies. We only hope that Abbie knew how very much she was loved by us all and the profound effect she had on all our lives – nothing will ever be the same here without her.
There was really something special about her; she epitomized how we would describe an actual Angel from heaven; it is something that brought out the best in all of us. Dogs like Abigail truly inspire us to become even better human beings.
There are so many memories of Abigail that we could fill books with her stories, but no written words would really do her justice. Happy moments, sad moments and everything else in between; we shared it all. You really had to meet her in person in order to see how really special she truly was.
We would like to acknowledge Abigail’s generous sponsor, Margie, for assisting us with her care and for helping give us the ability to provide Abbie with everything she needed and more. On behalf of Abigail, we thank you from the bottom of her heart and ours.
Abigail, you will forever be loved, never forgotten. Your unconditional and deep love was truly the greatest gift of all, thank you for being such an incredible part of our lives!
We miss you more than words can express, but are grateful for all the love and joy you brought into our lives. You will always live on in our hearts and at Paws Give Me Purpose Sanctuary forever.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for caring and for being a support to us during this time. We hope you see the legacy Abigail has left behind and understand why the work we do here is so rewarding and so important.
Abigail 2014-2023
