Buried my dog today...

[prism68]

I just wanted to tell y'all about my dog, Ewok.
He was almost 18 years old and the best thing in this world.

We got him from the pound 15 years ago, the day my little brother died. I had seen him before when I went to get a 'guard dog' on my husband's recommendation (never did find a guard dog), but I knew it wasn't what we needed. Anyway, I dreamed of him that night- his cage was closing in on him.
At 6:30 a.m. that morning, I got a call that my 19 yr old brother had committed suicide. Instantly I decided to go save that dog- I thought it would also help my son, then 4 yrs. old, to have something to focus on in the rough days ahead. We brought him home and named him Ewok- ya' know, from Star Wars?

He has been the sweetest, most awesome pet- he loved to chase possums, it made him feel tough that they'd lie down so easily
He loved to run in creeks and on beaches.

Once, I brought home a kitten that I found (the mama had been run over). She was so little that we had to nurse her, but she wouldn't eat or drink for days. Just when she was on her last breath, we decided to let Ewok see her; well she took one look and claimed him as her surrogate Mom.
She was fine after that, riding around up under his tummy, clutching at him like a little monkey.
He took care of her the rest of her life.

As my kids grew up, Ewok let them use him for whatever they needed. He played ball with my son, he let my daughter learn to crawl and pull up by grabbing his ears and tail- with never a whimper.

He has been with us through all of our trials and joys and his love for us has been unwavering. He was a Cockapoo and when he'd get a haircut, he wanted to prance up and down the street to show everyone. He also would spend the next few days jumping on beds and other off-limit places because he knew he looked so good

Over the last year or two, he has been declining. He had a stroke, so he walked a little off-balance; he was blind and deaf, but not in pain. He never complained, and his tail never stopped wagging.

We moved to the lake this year and we found out he was BORN to fish! He was like a kid again everytime he got on that dock.

So today, we laid him to rest under a dogwood tree, and I just felt bad that more people couldn't have known him and what a great guy he was. My son and I laid down on the floor on either side of him last night and he died in our arms. I am so glad we got to know him and happy that he doesn't have to struggle to breathe anymore.

Thank you all for listening

Ewok~
March 19, 1987- October 17, 2004

[tlspiegel]

Awww... what a heartwarming story. I'm sorry for your loss. He obviously had a great and very long life and spread joy to everyone. Sad.

[hattielee]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What wonderful memories you have, thank you for sharing them. It is especially touching to me because I have a 16 year old cockapoo. Sounds like Ewok was one special dog.

[GR8GIRLS]

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet that you've had that long, feels just like losing a member of the human family. Rest assured that he is fishin' in the best lake he could ever find, and is waiting to show you all of his new tricks. Give your son a hug from me.

[bestmidwest]

I am truly sorry for your loss but also joyful that you had the honor of such a wonderful family member in your life. Thank you for sharing Ewok's story with us.

[Pipanella]

Oh, prism, I'm so sorry. I feel your pain, I truly do. We had to put our Mimi asleep last year after 16 years of an incredible cat's life.

((((((((((((((prism))))))))))))))))

[mayfly]

What an absolutely beautiful and touching story.
((((((((((((((prism6))))))))))))))
hug and bigger hugs.

[prism68]

Heartfelt thanks to all of you, for the words and hugs
I knew it would be rough, but I wasn't prepared for just how much this has thrown me for a loop

HattieLee, that picture of the pumpkin dog- looks just like my Ewok!
I made a good choice in a Cockapoo- most folks I have talked to that have them say they lived a long time.

Thanks again, y'all. I am so glad this site is here so I don't have to tell it to every clerk in every store, etc.

p.s. Although I have been going around showing his picture and telling about him to a FEW stores, lol.

[Brenda2000]

Ohh..your post brought tears to my eyes.
It sounds like he had a wonderful life with you, and a long one...18 years...wow...
We lost our 12 1/2 year old lab in April...we got her when our first daughter was born.
It is so hard...I visit her grave and still cry. But the pain will ease with time.
Best wishes to your family...

[lookn4deals]

((((((prism6))))))
So sorry!!! Hope your pain eases with time...I can not igamine...

[hrdlife1]

I'm so sorry you lost your dog

[mrbowler]

Sorry also Prism...TY for sharing your story..I think it helps.

[Mouse7088]

I'm truly sorry for your loss...on the 25th. of this month will be only two months since we lost our little fella (Mini Schnauzer/Cairn Terrier mix), Angus. I have always loved pets/critters, but I seriously never thought our family would feel so lost after having our furbaby for a WAY too short of time. Everything about every single day feels "off" in some way. Again..so sorry.

[Shainie]

((((Prism))))

Thanks for sharing your story with us. What a wonderful dog. I'm sure you'll always cherish your years with him.

[PiercedGecko]

Reading this made me cry, because I know just how special animals are. We get so attached, they are members of the family and it isn't the same after they're gone. You were blessed to have such a faithful companion for all of those years. You did a good deed by rescuing him, and he never let you forget it.