It’s Time

I had two amazing German Shepherds who I dearly love and miss. Sam passed three years ago at 14 1/2 years - Brandy followed the next year at 13 1/2. They were a great match. Sam was ever protective and watchful of those he loved. He was my shadow with every step I took he was there. He was a serious soul. Brandy followed a year and a half later and from the get go she was all about the fun.

We always joked that if they had theme songs - Sam's would be "Taking Care of Business" and Brandy's would be "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." So fitting. Sam passed three years ago - he looked at me and drew his last breath and he was gone. He passed close to midnight right before Easter Sunday, so the animal crematory was unable to pick him up until that Monday. They told me to tuck and wrap him in a sheet and they would come early Monday.

On Easter I went to visit my husband who was battling numerous health issues. When I came back I looked in the foyer where Sam was and I was puzzled I couldn't figure out what I was seeing. When I came closer it just took a moment before I began to do the ugly hard cry. Brandy, who was not known for being generous...for example if they were given a treat and if it was something she wasn't particularly fond of she would watch Sam who loved everything gobble his up then sit there casually with hers while he drooled staring intently at her uneaten treat....when he finally began to raise up to make his move she would lean down and swallow it....same with the outside water when they were playing she would rush to the water bowl drink until she had her fill and as Sam panted waiting patiently for his turn she would take her paw and flip it emptying the bowl...but that Sunday in the foyer my broken heart was just torn to shreds. In front of him she had placed her favorite nylabone.

The next morning when the young man came to pick him up and I was telling him and he said, "please leash her up as we take him out." He carried Sam and the bone with him. She sat patiently as he loaded him and the bone. She watched as he turned around in the cul-de-sac and she raised her as she was trailing the scent. She got up and walked across the yard staring as he went around the curve. She and I stood there for a few moments before walking in. Dogs are just amazing beings and blessings. They love large and pure.

I am about to do what I didn't think I could ever do again...a couple of weeks ago I went to meet a litter of four week old German Shepherds. Our school year ends on May 27th and I will be picking up a girl named Houston. Let the adventures begin.