It’s been almost a year since you left but your memories are for ever strong. You came into our life as a puppy. We just bought the house and I decided to go look at the dog’s at the shelter. You were not there yet but the lady told me to come back in 2 days they were getting a litter in so I did and I picked you out right away. Then it was time for your daddy to meet you so he did. We filled out the paper work and had to wait a few days. If we got you those few days felt like forever.
It was Saturday. I must have called the shelter 4 times to see if we had you. The last call came the news that you were coming home. Me and your daddy were like expecting parents nervous as ever. Your nan and pap drove down to meet you. Nan even went with me to pick you up. You weighed about 6lbs then. Like proud parents we called everyone to tell them the news of our arrival. It’s a boy. Daddy always said don’t get him use to sleeping with you so I did not let you sleep with me. When daddy was at work much to my suprised. I later learned why you were such a good boy all day you and daddy were snuggled up in bed that was Hammer and daddy’s little secret from mommy.
You and Spike adapted well to each other. I remember the time I was at work and daddy called to say you were rolled up in my curtains from the dining room. We discovered that you mastered climbing over the baby gate in one single bound. We fixed that problem and as you grew you had growing pains that was a trip to the doctor for you in about 5 months you grew into a giant ball of love and true to a lab and water. The time daddy took you for a walk and you decided to go for a dip it was 10 degrees he had too wrap you up in his coat and blast the heat till he got you home. Hammer enjoyed going for rides.
He barked all the way with his head out the window letting everyone know you were coming and when you made friends with the horses they use to come running when they heard you barking. Those memories seem like only yesterday. Of course you had your share of vet visits like the time you broke out in hives for what reason we have no idea so we always had benadryl in the house. You were a good sport taking medicine never had a problem.
You had a place in everyone’s heart you met at the nursing home. You knew exactly what to do without any training. You were a lover then you were introduced to you buddy, Brandi how you and her use to play barbies and how when mommy went to visit for a week how I called everyday to make sure you ate. Then when we went to see your brother gradute from boot camp. We took you to Aunt Judi’s. You came back even more spoiled. She made you frozen yogurt treats. You got older and everytime I took you for a walk I would have to give you something for the pain but that did not stop you have leash will go that was you.
You had so many friends even the one police officer use to stop and give you biscuits. I use tell everyone that if I got into trouble I would tell the cop I’m Hammers owner and how you use to get Uncle Rod to visit. You had a special bark that if you saw him, you would invite him in! and how you use to give us hell when we came home late. You would sound like you were saying where were you. You and Uncle Rod got along just fine. He got you a marble slab to put under his faucet outside so your paws would not get dirty. I guess this is where I want the story to stop. We have DUDE.
You knew him as Teddy now. I took him to the Halloween parade last night. It was a sad time for your uncle Rod. It was the last time he saw you. We know that you are watching over us and giving DUDE some helpful hints every now and then. We gave him that name because of your picture with the sun glasses on.
Hammer you’re missed very much and we love you always.
Love,
Dad, Mom, Spike and the whole family
You will never be forgotten,
| Hammer |
| Linda & Jim |