My dear Levi, 14 years ago yesterday I held you in my arms for the very first time.
Almost 1 year ago, I held you in my arms for the very last time.
A lot has changed in that time. Garrett has come to stay with us for an undetermined amount of time. He has the same sweet soul that you always had, and since you were named after Levi Garrett's jeans, I think he may be here for a reason.
That is still to be determined.
When we got you, it was in the hopes of helping you find a good home. There was no way we were going to take on a 5th dog- a deaf puppy at that!- and move across the country a few months later.
Garrett loves tennis balls and sits on my feet- remind you of someone, buddy?
Oh, Juna is ruling the pack for you and she has calmed down quite a bit. Roper, sadly, is still exactly the same. Tonka still spends most of his time under the deck. Fling still mopes in her kennel, trying to be invisible to Roper and wishing you were here to lick her ears. And Gypsy is still Gypsy...
I miss you, my friend, some days more than others. You blessed my life for 13 years and are still with me every day. I just wish I could hold you in my arms like that first day.
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.
Dogster Obsessions: The Starter Kit for Dogs by Wildebeest
10
