It has just gone 6 months since you passed away Bonnie, and while I am getting on with life, there is never a day that goes by without a tear coming to my eye while remembering my best buddy.
I always wanted a German Shepard, I guess it was watching all those Rin Tin Tin reruns as a kid. It wasn't until my last year in the army that life looked like settling down a little and I was in a position to fulfil my dreams. I went to a breeder who had three female puppies out of the litter and she gave me some advice. Go to the end of the path and call them and which ever one comes first is likely to be the most social. I did this twice and the same little girl was always in front. Just something about you made you my only choice. The breeder was a little sad that I choose you as deep down she was hopeing she could talk her partner into letting you join her home full time. I don't think this was a sales pitch as I found out in seconds what a special girl you were/are.
I got you in the car to take you home and it wasn't good enough to sit in the back. You got straight onto my lap and stayed there until we got to your new home. You bonded with the family, but sadly they have moved on leaving only you at my side for the next 6 years. We survived two large earthquakes, the destruction of our house and various up heavels, but you looked at me for comfort as I looked to you. When the 7.1 quake hit at 0430 hours, you looked up at me from the end of the bed as if to say "What the!?", but I just said, its okay girl, and we both went back to sleep.
When I got into a new relationship, it was important to me that you both got on. You clicked straight away and I knew it was going to work, even if the cats took a while to come around to their new sister. We had so many adventures and there was only a week in all those years that you were not with me on a daily basis. You were a big softie in a big dogs body but boy, were you protective of those you loved. You never bit but encouraged others to wait at the gate until I saw who was there. Even after that you followed strangers around the house with a watchful eye.
You had your moments like turning your nose up unless I got you the right brand of treats!!!!
Your box is next to my chair, close to your favourite sleeping place, at my feet. I do have another Shepard who is his own character, but as I placed on your memorial, you will always be my best buddy.
It gives me some comfort to think that we will meet again and even thou I am not religious, there are things that we can not understand. Until that time, I still like to think you are watching over me and I will continue to give you my unconditional love.
Missing you heaps
Dad
