Saying Goodbye

I know some of you may have read the title to this and wondered where I'm going and why I'm leaving.  Relax...I'm not going anywhere.  This will be a little off topic from my norm, but I wanted to do it anyway.

Yesterday I lost my companion and sidekick of 12 years.  She brought a lot of joy and happiness to the world of my family and we will miss her deeply.  Yet, that is part of life, and we must move on.  It has been coming on for a while now, and her failing health finally caught up with her.  She is much better off now, and I'm glad to know she isn't suffering any longer. 

She was the best dog anyone could ever hope to have.  Very obedient, laid back, and wouldn't hurt anything or anyone.  Many of you who are pet owners know, they become a member of the family and like one of your children.  There's nothing quite like having a 120 lb housedog.  LOL!  Well, mostly housedog anyway.  She was rather spoiled and certainly didn't have a rough life.  What more could a dog ask for?!?!

There is a stigma attached to dogs like this.  I firmly believe a lot of it how they are raised and trained.  If you are to have a dog this size, and with this reputation, you must at least give them basic training to be able to control them.  I firmly believe that she understood my every word and would listen to me and do just as I told her without hesitation.  Well, ok another dog or the wandering squirrel did catch her attention, but she would stop on a dime if I asked her, and that is what is required with these dogs.

She was excellent with kids and everyone that met her, once they got beyond the scare factor, loved her to death.  Those that didn't know her, were scared of her, and that is exactly what I wanted.  She kept those unwanted people away.  There were times the pizza man wouldn't even come to the door if he saw her.  I'd have to go out to the driveway to get and pay for the pizza.  Better than having a gun or an alarm system in my book.  (yes I still do have guns)   She was as gentle and loving as you could ever ask for.  The neighborhood kids even loved her, and used to come to the house and knock on the door and ask if she could come out and play.  They would all chase each other and run around and have the best time.  My daughter, who is 3, has grown up with her, so this will be hard on her as well.

This is like losing a part of your family.  We will miss her greatly!  You will never be another like you!  Take care!



DV