1999 - 2010
Dear Gypsy,
Thank you for choosing me that spring day in 1999.
You were the most adorable little thing, with your zest for life and your little heart-shaped patch of white fur on your heinie, and you stole my heart when I spotted you with your litter mates. The PAWS Shelter was showing you off at Petco, and we'd been talking about getting a companion for Chief. We wanted a smart, loyal dog that we could walk off-leash, and you, being an Australian Shepherd, fit that description well. We didn't bring you home right away because Daddy wanted to be sure we were doing the right thing, but after a couple of days, we decided that if you were still available, we would adopt you. The kind folks at PAWS drove you all the way from Kyle to Round Rock (we were both working at Dell at the time), and thence began a deep human-canine bond that lasted for eleven and a half years.
You were a mess when you were a puppy. You whined relentlessly at night in your crate, you had repeated accidents in the house, and once, you ran underneath Chief when he was peeing, only to be the recipient of a doggy golden shower. We discovered early on that broccoli and you did not agree, and sheesh, did you have ENERGY! We were not quite ready for your exercise requirements and I think we frustrated each other some in the beginning. Still, you were, and have always been, the sweetest dog I've ever met. EVER. You were gentle with every single human being you ever met, including wild children who jumped on you and yanked your ears. What a divine dog you were.
You were best described as an attention-junkie, and because of this, it was very easy to teach you things. We'd tell you what we wanted you to do, and you would just do it. A simple look of approval was all the reinforcement that you needed. My favorite trick was probably getting you to speak after asking you, "Who let the dogs out?" Saying, "SQUIRREL!" had the same effect and always made me laugh. You were a fabulous entertainer.
I am so thankful that you were such a perfect companion for Chief. The two of you took to each other quickly and you were best buddies for as long as you were alive. It was so much fun watching you play and wrestle in the front yard. Like I said, you were a fabulous entertainer. I wish I could count the number of times you made Matthew and Zach laugh those wonderful, deep belly laughs that only kids can deliver.
I am so sorry that we weren't able to do more to ease your suffering in these last few weeks. When you lost your exuberance, and your joy was hanging on by a thread, it broke my heart. I wish I could have seen you do one more of your crazy spins and race around the front yard with Chief and Lucky. I was sure you'd be with us for at least another year or two, but December 2, 2010 was your day to go to Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for hanging on until the end of the day so that I could be with you when you crossed the threshold. Matthew, Zach and I witnessed your last breath, and I felt your last heartbeat. I hope that you were comforted by all of the love surrounding you.
I miss you already, my sweet Gypsy-girl. Sleep well, and may you finally catch whatever it is that you were chasing in your dreams......
