10/30/2021
This is not the litter announcement post I thought I would be making…
On October 9th we began welcoming Ava’s last litter of puppies.
On October 10th at midnight, Ava passed away after delivering her 9 puppies of complications related to delivery.
After 2 vet clinics, multiple doctors and healthcare team, hours of fighting, Ava was called home.
Absolutely nothing can prepare you for this as an owner. I’m not sure when the healing process begins but it doesn’t seem like it’s anytime soon. Our home is missing a piece, and our hearts are shattered. She’s everywhere I look. I wish I could type a tribute post to her, telling you all how great she was and how she was the best dog. But I truly don’t think I could put together the words to encompass how great she was, but I will try.
They don’t make them like our Ava Marie, period. She was the gem of all Shorthairs 💎
Her calm, docile, temperament dare not be overshadowed by her bird drive. She was my foot sitter, snake killer, food sn**ching best friend. She wasn’t Miss America, but she was Miss Congeniality no doubt. She retrieved her first bird at just 8 weeks old, even though it was as big as her. She preferred to ride shotgun and I never argued. She was fearless and a little hard headed at times but what Shorthair isn’t?
She got me through college, marriage and helped us welcome our two children into this world. She’s been there through every period of growth in my life, every season. She was my anchor. I wasn’t ready for our journey to end. I longed for the days of her becoming a powder faced old lady and her needing my help to go outside.
It’s impossible to sit in this box and feed her puppies without crying. She should be here, she was the best Mama and blessed us with some extraordinary pups. If you’re lucky enough to own one of her pups, then hold them extra tight.
I pray their mama shines through each one of them. That next time they pick up that bird for you or even sn**ch some food off the counter, give them grace and don’t take it for granted. You never know when it’ll be the last hunt or time together.
I can’t tell you what I would give for Ava to be here sn**ching cinnamon rolls off the stove and fending off the moccasins in our yard.
Some will never understand what it means to love a dog as deeply as I loved Ava but I do pray you get your once in a lifetime dog, just like I did.
She was an honor to own, to hunt over and to love. Even as much as I loved her, I know she loved me more. My prayer is that the day the Lord calls me home, she’ll be there, sitting on the foot of Jesus, waiting for me 🤍
May the birds be abundant and snacks never ending Ava Marie, you are missed and loved beyond words
Live Actions Saint Ava
July 10th 2015 - October 10th, 2021