You are missed,Dodger.

An angel was pulled from earth Wednesday.

It was late, and Dodger rarely goes down by the barn, but she did last night, as my dad came home to shut the lights off. And she got hit.

She wasn't walking, but the only damage I could tell was the huge cyst on her leg had ruptured.

I had no way of knowing she had broken her pelvis. Upon getting that news, the doctor acted like we shouldn't waste our time with an x-ray, but I demanded one.

Yep, shattered pelvis. Crossed the mid-line, was rubbing on nerves in her spine. So the decision had to be made to put the friend I'd lived with for 13 years, the very creature that made me respect and understand and love animals to bits... down.

She had lost function in a back leg already partially, but I wasn't ready for her to go yet... it's the hardest thing ever.. with School starting up today and everything.

I went to guidance to change my schedule, and mom had called my councelor to tell her I might be in pieces... I can keep my composure, until I have to talk about it... and I lost it. Then, of course there was a German Shepherd at work, at a dog Kennel. I lost it.

Then I went to work (dog kennel), and of course, after weeks and weeks of not having a pure bred GSD, there one is.. and you know how Shepherds can all look so different? This was a sable/saddleback, just like Dodger. I lost it several times at the kennel, too.

I've only lost 2 grandfathers in my life, and one of them was when I was 2 years old, the other when I was 14, and I wasn't as attached to either one.

It's surreal... like she can't be gone...

We have 2 rotties now, and 1 is a pup, the other misses Dodger to bits, and Neither of the rotts are guard dogs.. I'm afraid to stay home alone at night even!!

Gosh, I suck at change...

It just seems that.. if she were human, they wouldn't have put her down. All that was wrong was a broken bone... Though I understand that the rehab would have been inhumane.

I just wish things were better for Dodger, I can't wait to see her across the rainbow bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.


Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....