Saturday, August 27, 2011

I lost a faithful companion last night.......

I lost a faithful companion and friend last night. My German Shepard, Star, died in her sleep. She was 10 years old. You don't have to read any further if you don't wish to, I'll understand. This is mainly for me, and for Star.We got Star from a German Shepard Rescue Service when she was about a year-and-a-half old. As near as they could tell, she had escaped from a "puppy mill", and was carrying a littler of pups. She had been hit by a car, and they had to spay her to save her life, and she lost the pups. When we adopted her, she was a scrawny 40-odd lbs., had no muscle tone, and she had not-so-good hips. But, it was love at first sight when we went to pick her up. We named her "Star", because of the diamond shaped patch on her forehead


When we got Star home, she behaved like she had never seen the inside of a house in her life. We worked with her, built up her weight, exercised her, and took her to dog training classes twice a week. We took her up to a very muscular 85 lbs., and back into shape again. About 5 years ago, Star's hips were giving her some real problems, especially her right. Even though it cost a fortune (but, what are you going to do?), we had Star's right hip replaced, only to have it fail, and she would go through another replacement surgery a month later. She came back strong after her second surgery, and was up and back to her duties pretty dam quick. To say she had a lot of heart, and a lot of guts to survive all she did in her life is an understatement.

Star was a loving companion, and a fierce protector. She would have charged straight through Hell without hesitation if she thought one of us, or her "pup" (our other younger German Shepard, Jet) was in danger. When I left to go on the road someplace, I never worried for Laura's safety when I was gone. Between Star, and Jet, there was no way anybody was getting in this house without getting fucked up.

Yesterday Star seemed to be her usual self, no different than other days. She and Jet spent the day the way they usually did, and she seemed fine when I put them in their crates last night. This morning, I went to let them out of their crates, letting Star out first as I always did, because she would get pissed if Jet came out first. Star didn't come out this time. I knew before I touched her, she was gone. Jet came over, licked Star's head a couple times, and I think she knew too. I like to think that I'm a tough guy....but I just sat there and cried, yeah I did.

We wrapped Star up in one of her blankets, and drove her over to the vet's this morning, so she can be cremated on Monday. I'll put her under the apple tree in the back yard, the one she's laying under in the photo above. Jet's been wandering around all day looking for her "mom", and I feel pretty sad for Jet, too.

Like I said, this was mainly for me, and for Star. I'm pretty sad she had to leave so soon, and we're all going to miss Star a lot. I just wanted to give Star the tribute she deserved. Goodbye, faithful friend.....

19 comments:

Kris Bennett said...

A very touching tribute, Rich. I think anyone who's loved an animal would hard pressed to read this and not be moved...

Born Of Metal and Fire said...

My deepest condolences on your loss Rich. I have a older rescue myself, and am dreading this day myself. I only hope when he does go, it is peaceful and in his sleep as with Star. Very sorry for your loss. I hope in time you can find space to get another pal for Jet, and maybe he can be more of a father figure, instead of the baby. Very sad, but a great tribute.

Unknown said...

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Star. I had to make a similar post to my own blog earlier this summer when we lost Abby after 15 years. It's a tough go, and I'm right there with you.

I don't know who you use, but we took Abby to Laurel, right there in Broomfield. They were a lot of help.

I hope you and yours are well.

cornfed said...

sorry to here this,never a good thing when we lose a friend especially a close and loyal one

Cris said...

Rich, so sorry for your loss. Godspeed, Star.

Cris

damion saunders said...

So sorry for you Rich. Thank you for sharing a little bit of her with us... Rest now Star.

James D. Hendrickson said...

Sorry for your loss, RIP star.

BoB said...

My deepest sympathies Rich. I lost one of mine a month ago. I still grieve for her.

fingers said...

made me cry yes been thier to german shepard got bite by a scorpion..star is running with my jake,godspeed my freind

BuzzKilr's said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Nothing I can say that could make you feel better. I know from my own experience that as time goes by the hurt will lessen.

Rob from "Fuck!"

Guy@GK said...

Unfortunately I know exactly how you're feeling Rich.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Irish Rich said...

I want to thank you all for the comments here, and the Emails, and even a couple cards.

I know we all like to think that we're all a bunch of hard-asses and tough guys (and gals), but the heartfelt notes everyone left and sent were most appreciated.

Again, thank you all...

Ailton© said...

I'm sorry for your lost man, my dog died a few years ago also but i still miss him like a motherfucker :"(
So i know where you're going through

And yeap we're all tough but losing a friend stabs you in the soul!!!

R.I.P. Star.

***************************

Rick said...

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will gladly make a fool of himself too.

-Samuel Butler-

Chris K said...

Rich, Very sorry to hear it. Our pets spend more time with us than many of our friends and family. They bring us lots of joy and we really open ourselves up to them.

Tough?, it just means you have heart.

You never really get over it, you just get use to it.

Noot said...

Sorry to hear about Star. My sympathy to you and your lady. From: Noot & Morty

huduguru said...

Rich--I'm sorry to hear of Star's passing; I remember Star and Jet the last time I visited you and the shop, happy and active. Best to all of you--
JW in MN

Gnar Jen said...

I would be devastated if I lost my pup. I really hope you're doing alright.

"Mother" said...

God speed star ! sorry for your loss man .....really hard to read .