In loving memory of Daddy’s girl Dasha

How our journey began

Dasha was born on August 14, 1999. We had no idea that on that October morning our lives would be changed. We were on our way to a craft show in Letch worth, New York. We seen a sign rotties for sale and decided to stop and just look. No desire to get a rottie until we seen her. When she saw us she just had to get our attention so she picks up one of the dog bowls and paraded in front of us. It was love at first sight. We had asked them to hold her so they painted a nail pink. We left there and wanted to think it over. Well we got to the craft show and called her kids and they didn’t care. Our daughter wanted to name her so we said okay, hung up and left the show without looking and went back. We were sold, she had to come home and she did. The kids were surprised to see her with us. At that time she was given the name Dasha, we would find out the meaning of her name later.

Dasha was a typical puppy. Never once did she go in the house. Everyone thought we were crazy getting a rottie, until they met her. She had many nicknames such as “she devil”, “gremlin”, princess Dasha, Queen Dasha. She sometimes would run wildly thru the house causing a commotion, hence the name she devil. The one that stuck was daddy’s girl. She hardly left my side. If we were all outside and my wife would say lets go in, she wouldn’t until I did. All my wife would say was “daddy, daddy, daddy that’s all you want”, so that one stuck. My wife would say its just sick the way she looks at you. It reminded me of a teenage girl having a crush on someone older. She would just gaze at me. Dasha would get between us if we held each other or if we kissed watch out “here comes her tongue”. She wanted to be a part and made herself a part of everything we did.

Dasha was an amazing dog that wanted only to please and love. She would go everywhere with us. At that time we purchased a trailer in Sherkston (Canada) and she would make the trip every weekend with us during the summer. All we had to say was Sherkston and she would be at the door ready to go. Not to make fun of my Canadian friends but you have some weird signs that are yellow and black. Well Dasha did not like those signs and would bark and growl at them. As time went on we decided to get her a playmate. That’s where Bailey boy enters the picture. When we got Bailey we put him in a crate outside in the yard and brought Dasha out to meet him. The excitement that was there was unbelievable. She could hardly stand up, from wagging her whole back end. She ran back up to us licking us as if to say thanks for my present. Dasha just loved Bailey. They would do everything together. Dasha took on the mommy roll. She taught Bailey every thing he knows.

Now it brings us to the terrible side of this. March 2nd., 2009 my wife noticed a large mass on her back leg while she was coming up to me. I had brushed her 2 weeks earlier and it wasn’t there. The next day we called and made an appointment to see the vet. After a couple of days we made another appointment with a different vet after talking to our friends. I started my research on line and got sick. Everything I seen had to do with oc., which was bone cancer. On March 16TH. Our worst fears became reality. The vet told us she had bone cancer and it metastasized into her lungs. We were devastated. Nothing could be done for her. We just couldn’t believe it. My Dasha was dying and I couldn’t do anything about it. I calmly asked how long. Our vet who was so nice and very compassionate with us told us 9 months would be a miracle. We than did ask 3to 6months? All he said was this was a very large mass. After leaving the vet I lost it. I had to be strong but couldn’t. This just killed me. We took Dasha for her favorite, ice cream.
From that point after everyone was a sleep, I would cry. I didn’t want anyone to see me this way. I did more research and that’s when I found this site. I realized I wasn’t alone going thru this. I must have read every ones post, reading over and over the pain every one else was going thru. I have met some amazing people on this site and read about some amazing dogs.

Dasha’s condition would worsen over the next 3 weeks. She would no longer wake my wife up at 4 am to go outside. She was having more trouble going up the steps and finally she started lifting up her back leg and not putting weight on it. She also started having seizures. My wife and I made the decision on Good Friday to make the call to the vet. He did give us pain pills for her until March 15TH. After my wife called the vet and made the appointment all we did was cry. This was gut wrenching, We knew it was only days now and this was killing us. We made her last days even more special as her previous years. On the last day we laid on the lawn, went for a long ride and got her a large ice cream. It was perfect, she was happy as we were trying to hold back the tears. Once at the vet, it all just happened so quickly. My wife and I were holding her and telling her how much we love her as she passed away in our arms. That was very hard to write. Our tears have been flowing since, our hearts broken. Bailey has been lost without her.

Dasha taught us to love as she did, unconditionally. To live in the moment. Take nothing for granted. My wife and I thank god for having her for 9 years, 8 months,and 1 day. We have many memories that will last a life time. One day I will again give my heart to another puppy. I will love her, care for her, and live in the moment with her. Dasha will always be the only daddy’s girl though. As my wife and I and Bailey begin to live our lives without Dasha here, we cling to the memories and ask ourselves ,”What would Dasha want us to do”. Dasha was brave and never complained about anything. Even though she would have trouble going up the stairs, she would for me. My Dasha is gone but she will live in our hearts fore ever. It was a privilege to have her in our lives.The meaning of Dasha in Greek( A GIFT FROM GOD) and truly she was and to god she was returned. I will miss you fore ever my Dasha. You will fore ever be remembered to me as Daddy's Girl Dasha.