Last week would have been my 14th birthday, but I had to celebrate this one without my family.
I took care of them for 13 years-that's a good long time for any dog. Thank you to all who sent birthday wishes my way. It was truly appreciated.
I was one loved boy and I always will be. Wishing all who read this the same!
This morning mama got a call from a co-worker. She has a friend whose neighbor has been tying out a 16 week old cattle dog puppy because they don't like the dog. The co-worked asked if mama would be interested in taking the dog. We can't take on a dog now, but we would be happy to help find the pup a new home. Haven't heard any more on that yet.
Later in the day, a facebook friend posted a cattle dog in a shelter along with the following "letter". Yup, mama has been really missing me- lots of cattle dog references all in one day, and it's been over 2 months I've been gone already- but NEVER forgotten...
Letter from Your New Cattle Dog
Howdy.
I'm your new cattle dog puppy.
You probably picked me because you like my color
or my perky ears
or my inquisitive eyes
or the fact that I am so full of energy.
Like your other dependents I'll require food, water and shelter.
There will be vet bills and preventive care.
I'll need teeth cleaning,
pills for worms
and fleas
and heartworms
and ticks.
I'll need food
and vitamins
and supplements
and a comfortable bed
(and chew toys).
I'll need a comfortable place to stay out of the cold
and heat
and rain.
Like other pets I'll require a lot of care and training.
I need exercise.
I need to walk
and run
and to chase things.
Treat me right and I'll chase a Frisbee instead of your car or cat.
I might dig
or I might tear something up.
I might poop on your floor.
You can teach me to not do a lot of things, but don't forget--I still have instincts.
My instincts tell me to move things.
To herd
To bark
To use my mouth
To protect our space.
For all my faults I will give you a guarantee that I will obey, protect and serve.
I'll never talk behind your back
or serve the interests of another.
I will be loyal to you
I won't forsake you
Even if you treat me bad sometimes I will worship the ground you walk on.
I will wait at the door in anticipation of you getting home.
I live for time with you.
You will be my number one.
I will protect our home.
I'll let you know when danger is near. My ears will be our ears.
No matter how big the threat I will take the point.
My safety is not my concern.
And I'll provide you with unconditional love.
You can be in a wonderful or sour mood.
You can treat me good or bad.
We can be rich or poor.
We can live in a mansion or a tent.
Nothing matters except my unwavering commitment and desire to serve you.
So think first of all the responsibility there is to take care of me,
because I may not be there for you for the rest of your life.
First of all, I'd like to thank all of the kind pups and even kitties who sent me gifts and pmails to memorialize my passing. Mama has just been unable to write back to thank you, but she will do it in time. Thank you so much for thinking of us!
So yesterday, mama was having a bad day. She knew that one week ago, I wasn't feeling great, but she had no idea that it would be my last full day with her. So she was moping around at work feeling very sad and not wanting to be there.
Mama is a groomer, so on her windowsill are lots of grooming things- ear cleaner, cotton balls, clipper cooling spray, colognes...and a wire basket with syptic powder, e-collars and MORE grooming things. JUST grooming things. Always. Except for yesterday. When mama looked over to the basket to find some cologne, there was a tennis ball right in the basket. An old, furry tennis ball that had NEVER been there before.
Now mama knows I have had a safe journey, and I am still watching over her. For as long as she needs me...
