My “Baby puppis” as we all called her or “big bad dog” or just plain Max (Maxine) was a very important part of our lives..The rides to the park each weekend so she could do what she liked to hear “sniffies” (because she could sniff every animal that went through ) her big head out the window and now and then during the drive she would climb up between my seat and run that wet tongue against my face as if to say “thanks Daddy”..to watch her run after a ball being thrown and catch it on the first try..
She was my super dog..her bark would scare away everyone and her withers would stand up as if to say “I`m one big bad dog” only to stop and lick with tail waving saying hello…her ability to understand every word you spoke and know the words that she would understand she had done something Daddy did not approve of..but seconds later with those huge ears to the rear and her tail down..face and eyes lowered she would come to me and ask forgiveness..and then look up at me with those big brown eyes..and smile..yes dogs smile..anyone that has one knows this look..
one of affection and trust..
Till yesterday when we went on our last ride..the big head was missing from the window…the help she urged from me to help her in the back seat..where never before there was a problem..even then she knew…her eyes told the story “Daddy I can no longer please you..if you love me help me now”..she was sick for a short time long enough to see her go from a beautiful 90lbs Shepard to less than 60lbs in three weeks…the “C ” word took her away from me… 4 mos before she would have been eight…I had to do this..watching her the last several days laying flat on her face..not eating…and anything she did eat would come back out..she was being stolen away from me and my family..nights laying there with her petting her and hearing that moan or sigh every dog owner has heard at at a time towards the end..”Daddy if you love me..please help me”..Shhh baby I will..you have been a huge part of my life and will not let you go down alone..after a few shorts words.her eyes looking at me..
I saw that tiny smile shine through for a second..but knew it was meant for me…Big Dog I will miss our talks..I will miss our walks..I will miss your smile…your greeting after a long day..I will miss that bark..but most of all I will miss your love right to the very end..we will be together in the near future..I will try to honor your code and trust..Thank you for being my big bad dog..my puppis..my best friend..
Forever my Pet,
| Maxine |
| 8, July 2008 |
| Bob Crawford |