Only the Good Die Young

On Tuesday, August 22, at 10:30 a.m., Sentry passed away unexpectedly. His lungs gave out on him, and the vet said there was nothing they could do. He was only 6 years old and had been with us for just 2 1/2 years. It just isn't fair. Sentry was loved dearly, and was spoiled rotten. He was told every day how much he was loved. Sentry always joined us on car rides, family vacations, trips to the dog park, and hikes through the woods.

Sentry used to sleep on my bed every night (yes, all 85 pounds of him!), and would wake me in the morning with his sweet, wet kisses. We were joined at the hip, and if I went from one side of the room to the other, Sentry would get up and follow me. We also had a routine at feeding time. I would get his dish ready, and then Sentry would sit down, throw his head back, and let out a long howl. He sounded just like a wolf, and his voice was music to my ears. He was such a character.

Sentry was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He used to be my spokes-dog for shelter animals, and would wear a hat that said "Adopt My Friends." People would comment on how adorable he was and how much they loved his big ears. Sentry didn't have a mean bone in his body, and was incredibly gentle with children and small animals. In fact, he was afraid of my cockatiel and parakeet. Sentry was also a wonderful brother to my other dogs, Willy and Sasha. He used to play tug-of-war with Willy, and would lick his hears until they were completely drenched. He also knew to be especially careful with Sasha, who is 10 years old and has really bad arthritis. He would lie down next to her and gently lick her face. Sasha would nibble on Sentry's face and paws... they were her "love bites." Sentry had such a special relationship with every member of my family. I don't think that type of relationship can ever be replicated.

Life will never be the same without my wonderful Sentry, and no dog will ever take his place. He was a truly special, one-of-a-kind, angel. He was my protecter, soul mate, and best friend.

Rags to Riches

Hi, my name is Sentry, and I'm a former shelter dog. Friends of Homeless Animals (a no-kill shelter in VA) rescued me from a county pound when my time was up. I stayed with FOHA for about nine months, waiting for a family to adopt me. I was beginning to lose hope of finding a home when a volunteer decided to take me home as a foster dog. I was really nervous at first since I was abused in my last home. I quickly learned to love and trust my foster family, and I knew that I will be adored and cared for forever. That was over two years ago, and my foster family has officially made me a member of their family. I now act as a spokes-dog for shelter pets. I have gone to schools to teach kids about the importance of adopting, as well as spaying and neutering. My mom tells me how much she loves me every day, and I am so grateful to have been given a second chance.