+9 more
posted on Nov, 19 2013 @ 06:23 PM
Well, I don't know what to say really but here goes.
Today has been the shortest day of my life. I got up at 15 past 5, and now here we are at 4:03, 2hrs and 37 minutes until my life changes in a way I
can never take back. 15 short sweet years together, and I remember the day we brought her home like it was yesterday.
We were looking for a dog fitting for our family, it couldn't be too big because the place we were living was relatively small, but we didn't want a
little dog as they tend to have temperament, attachment, dental and small children issues.
At the time I was 12 years old, we were headed 4 hrs east and the weather was scorching, a bright sunny august day heading to an even hotter part of
the country. The drive ahead would have seemed endless but my parents decided to make a stop in along the way. Me and my brother had no idea where we
were going, and no idea who we were about to meet. We got out of the hot white Pontiac Sunfire and went into this building, asking oodles of questions
on the way.
We arrive at our destination and our eyes nearly explode from our head. I a nice wooden box, neatly lined with shredded newspaper lay a litter of
puppies. I remember the moment I saw her, I knew immediately that would be our dog. This sweet little dalmation Runt. Her face was all black aside
from her snout which was spotted. She had such a pitiful little look, with her ears flopped to the sides and she was whimpering. My father wanted the
little boy of the batch that was twice her size happily stomping around, digging in the shavings but no that was my baby. She was the one, I knew the
look in her light honey brown eyes meant something more and I couldn't have been more right.
She's been the sweetest most mild tempered dog I've ever met. She was great with us, she was a fierce protector, she was ever so patient, and was my
best friend.
I remember when we got to where we were going it was oh so hot, so we went to the lake to relax and play in the water. We kept having to wet the poor
thing down because we were worried she would over heat. Mom took her to the shore of the lake her little tale wagging, coo coo cooing with her little
red leash and just then a jet boat in the middle of the lake kicked up a fair sized wave, 4 steps into the shore it over took her, and ever since she
has HATED water.
I used to feel so bad for that moment, but looking back on it now it brings me to tears. This sweet little went runt, trying to hide in the sand under
our feet.
Even as a young dog, an absolute pleasure wouldn't go more than ten feet from me when we were out and about. Never pulled on her leash, always
listened unless of course she hadn't seen us in a while because we were in school or parents were working. Then she'd dash out the door and do laps
in the lane, us in tow. It was a game to her, and she never went far but she got her way some how or another.
My mother used to watch other kids in the summer from the day care she worked at so couples could go out and be couples, and Nimpo was the sweetest
thing in the world. Ever so patient when they pulled her ears or her tail, stood between them and the stairs, let us know if they wandered out of site
and could have gotten into something they shouldn't. A sharp loud bark, not threatening but an attention grab to be sure.
She never snapped at anyone, even strangers but she stood her ground when they shouldn't have been there. I remember one of the neighbours came in
the back yard once while I was upstairs alone. I suddenly heard this tremendous barking, growling and an awkward hello. The Neighbour (who I knew) had
tried knocking on front door but I hadn't heard him, he noticed back door open and came to just shout hello, a young guy my age and Nimpo had him
cornered in the yard, Hair on end, all puffed up Death stare, but that was it. She just kept him there, until I came down then all was fine.
So beautiful, so sweet. I count myself very lucky I had the dog I do. Unfortunately old age has taken a beating on her. She's losing her sight and
hearing, she's developed a fluid mass on her left side, her hips gave out on the weekend and she can hardly stand. It feels like it struck out of the
blue, and so suddenly. The look on her face is heart breaking. She wants to stand, walk around and check in with us but she just has such a hard time.
I knew it was coming because she has started to do her business on the floor. The last month. At first it was just while I was at work, and she's old
so I figured she couldn't hold it while I'm gone for 8 -9 hrs. Then it became more frequent, and on the weekend her legs just gave up.
I love her so much, I feel so guilty and I wish there was something I could do, how ever an old dogs weakest link is their hips and it just seems like
so much has struck all with in the month I don't even think a second mortgage could save her.
I'm absolutely heart broken. Today has been the shortest day of my life. In a complete fog, it passed in a blink. It's 4:22, 2 hrs and 18 minutes
and I have to say good bye forever. How the hell am I going to do this.