April 1988 —- June 11 2001
Black Lab
Thunder came into our family when he was five months old.
I took him from a family that did not want him.
I remember the ride home he was licking me in my face because
he seemed to be so happy to be going home to a family that wanted him.
What a beautiful dog he turned out to be.
He was very protective over us and he walked around the house
knowing that he was king of the roost.
He loved to chase his tennis ball in the backyard and he really loved
to chase squirrels as they ran across the phone lines.
We bought him a pool and he loved to jump in the water.
And of course he loved going for rides in the car.
He was a joy to have in our family.
One day when he was 11 years old I was bathing him and his hips
collapsed and he sat down. I did not know that this was the beginning
of hip dysphasia. Over the next two years his hips became arthritic
and his running in the backyard stopped.
Our beloved Thunder was really slowing down.
In April he started losing control of himself and had alot of accidents
that he could not help. He would go in his sleep and
not be able to get up.
He was also drinking alot of water which is a sign of renal failure.
Thunder was a tough dog and he never showed any pain but I knew
that his quality of life was not there any more.
I had always said that I would never let him suffer.
So on June 11 I took Thunder to the vet knowing what needed to be done.
The vet said that it was time so I said good-bye to my best friend.
We have Thunders ashes in a mahogany box with his red collar
on top and a picture of him next to the box.
Thunder we miss you so much.
Thank you for giving us so much joy in the
13 years you were with us.
You are the best.
Love,
Mark Sherry Shannon
and Kristin.
| Thunder |