A sad day...

[XTOL]

It was just one year ago today...May 11 2010...that my best friend and
companion Mikey lost his battle with cancer at a little over 13 years of age.
That day was the single most devastating day in my life. I had known the
day was coming and thought I was prepared for it but I wasnt.

Even now, a year later, I get choked up just thinking about it.

This picture of Mikey was in the fall of 2009. It was 7 or 8 months
before his death.





The flip side to this is that Abby was born the day after Mikey died.
Abby was born on May 12, 2010. She was number 5 out of a litter
of 8. I selected her from a picture because she resembled Mikey
when he was young.

But she isnt anything like Mikey was. Mikey was calm and mellow.
Nothing ever excited him. He rarely even barked at anything.
He was easy going and very rarely gave me any problems.

Abby is excitable and barks at anything and everything. She is
stubborn and gives me me fits all the time. People talk about their
GSDs going through a "butthead stage". I couldnt tell if Abby entered
that stage since she has been a butthead since the day I got her.

Yet I love her and wouldnt have it any other way. She is my companion
and annoying girlfriend all wrapped up in one package.

Its funny...today she is being rather clingy. Sticking very close.
This morning after our walk she decided to try out being a lap dog.
Not entirely successful. After lunch she took a nap on my feet.
As Im typing this she is curled up between my legs. Maybe she
figured I needed a little extra today.

This picture of Abby was from last week...
I will put up some birthday pictures of Abby tomorrow...

[GSDBESTK9]

So sorry for the loss of Mikey, sounds like he was a great dog, you should feel lucky that you had him 13 years, I hope all my dogs make it that old.

[JustMeLeslie]

It's so weird how things work out it's like Mikey sent you Abby so she would keep you busy after his death. I'm so sorry that you lost him. He sounds like he was a great dog. Mikey was a handsome boy and wow,13 yrs. We all hope we get that many out of ours.

I look forward to seeing Abby's bday photos tomorrow. Happy early birthday Abby!

[MicheleMarie]

this made me so teary eyed
it's great abby can pick up on your needs i truly believe they can tell. she is special to you!
happy birthday abby!

[Mac's Mom]

I believe they can tell too. I'm so sorry for your loss but happy you have your girl.

[Stosh]

I'm sure she knew you needed her today- and she has big paws to fill. Abby's doing a great job of keeping you busy, I bet Mikey would be proud

[CaliBoy]

The one year anniversary of that special dog who stole your heart is so poignant. When I let my princess go from her cancer, and the year anniversary of her passing came, I just imagined her in heaven running around with all my loved ones. It didn't stop the tears, but it eased the suffering a little bit.

The pic of Abby is very nice. She has grown up into a very pretty dog.

[vat]

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your girl was very helpful to you today. I am sure Mikey is very proud of her.

[JakodaCD OA]

I'm sorry for your loss, the same thing kind of happened to me..I lost one of my heart dogs in April of 08, her birthday was April 7.. Masi was born on April 7th, the same day as Sami, I didn't realize it until a month later when I was searching for another girl..it's why I named Masi, Masi,,it's kinda to honor Sami, the letters mixed around.

Things sure can work in mysterious ways

[n2gsds]

What a beautiful dog Mikey was! It is so hard to lose our best buddies. My Carleigh died in Dec. from cancer at 12 1/2 yrs. But as someone else said, we both are blessed to have had our Shepherds for so long. And now Abby is there to make you smile again!