Always alert, watchful and never wanting to miss out on anything fun. Abby never wavered in her quest to “be her own dog”. As a puppy it was clear, Abby was different. So very independent and not needing much from anyone. Abby made her own fun it seemed. Chasing the shadows of birds flying overhead on the ground until she could run no more or stalking the turkeys like a cat as they stopped by for some corn in the back yard. Abby was always present yet seemingly in her own world. She was a puppy then, and it was all about fun!

As the days and weeks of play in the early days zipped passed, she grew and she learned. Oh my did she learn! Her favorite pal Rudy was always by her side. They would play and play until their tongues were thick and their eyelids were heavy. Playing catch became a different game when Abby learned that if Rudy chased after the ball, the stick or whatever was thrown, she could wait right next to me while he would run fast and chase after the object. She knew full well that Rudy would come bounding back with the toy so proudly! Then quick as a cat, Abby would simply steal it from him. Thus she learned, no need to run and fetch, just let Rudy do the hard work and still get the toy in the end. So it went.

Those were the days. Never a challenge was missed however for a good game of tug-o-war. The early days when a rough day amounted to when both the dogs realized they played a bit to hard and their naps would have to be a bit longer that day.

One a day in November, Abby suddenly found herself in a bit of a pickle. She had no idea what was in store until she realized that today, today would not be a good day to play. Today, Abby became a mommy!

Suddenly she realized she needed to be responsible! No more playing all day, napping whenever she wanted or chasing birds shadows to her hearts content. She had work to do!

Twelve new puppies had arrived! While I was concerned that this could be a very trying time, Abby surprised me yet again by being an amazing mother to the puppies. She gave them all whatever time they needed and was always ready to nurse the ever incessant group of hungry mouths. An amazing time for sure!

Abby’s puppies turned 8 weeks old on Christmas Eve. What a joyous day as the families came one by one. The kids unprepared for the wonderful gift they would receive this night. It was so much fun seeing the kids looking through the puppies, reading the names on the red bows that served as a temporary collar on each. The giggles, the squeals as each child found their puppy. Their very own PUPPY! This was the greatest Christmas ever they would say. Seeing a child receive their very first puppy. What a gift that was for me. Looking back, maybe thats the way Abby planned it all long. It was her gift to me that Christmas.

From hunting in the woods, to running together in the tall grass, Abby was always happiest running free. No chains, no fences just freedom to play without restrictions. It was amazing to watch. The boundless energy, the tip of her head as she caught yet another scent she must check out or just how every so often she would just stop and look back at me. If only for a second yet just long enough to make sure I knew, for that moment, she was thinking of me.

The days turned to months, the weeks turned to years. Oh how they flew by. As she got older Abby found other ways to amuse herself. From creating piles of my things by the front door while I was away (and acting all innocent when I would return) to watching TV.

If the rodeo was on, you would find Abby front and center watching the bulls. She was also fond of ANY show the had monkeys! Hands down however, when commercials came on, the Beggin Strips commercials were her absolute favorite! BACON BACON BACON! She would always come running when she heard those words uttered on the TV.

Like children, it always amazes me how the time goes by. Suddenly I realized one day, I was now researching and purchasing senior dog foods. I also noticed that in photos, Abby was now turning gray. I was faced with the reality that my dogs were getting older. Gone were the days of all day play. Frequent naps now took the place of racing around the yard. I would see short bursts of play ending in long lazy naps. I had finally seen the day that Abby slowed down. I never believed it could happen.

Most interesting were the changes seen in how Abby interacted with people. For so many years for Abby it was never about how much attention was given to her. She was so independent. She didn’t seek the touch, she didn’t suffer from jealousy and she didn’t push her way in as her pal Rudy was getting all the attention. Now, that changed. She wanted that affection. She sought the love and she would get jealous when Rudy was the center of attention. It was so fun to see and finally be able to enjoy giving her the same attention. She ate it up!

When Abby shared her love it was joyful and it was always a happy time.

One day in late winter, I started noticing changes with Abby. No longer was she watching tv. Odd, she loves watching tv. No longer would she walk by and casually lick your hand, which has always been a compulsive behavior. No longer does she “bounce” when I arrive home. She had also started eating less. Worried, I made an appointment for the vet.

For her, it was all in fun. She has always enjoyed her rides in the truck. This was just another adventure. Away we went, Never one to miss out on anything we might drive by. I watched as we drove. Watching for her typical rushing back and forth looking out the windows as we drove. Her not wanting to miss anything we passed. Not today, Abby climbed into the truck and laid down. My heart sank. I knew something was wrong. Something was really wrong.

The vet found a tumor that day. An incurable growth that was robbing Abby of life, of joy and her happiness. This dog, my dog that was always so strong, so happy and so vibrant was suddenly gravely ill and there was nothing I could do. I was told she would be with me a couple months at the most and I was told what to expect. She was not in pain but was very sick.

We left the vet that day together and it was with such a heavy heart. Not knowing what I should do, what could I do and how could I help her. She has always been so faithful and willing to do anything for me. Now when she needed my help the most, I could not help her. What can I do?

We spent the next few days doing what we always did. Just doing it more. Car rides, running in the fields and playing in the snow. Anything she wanted to do, we did.

Another scent to check out

Playing with her best buddy Rudy

Rolling in the snow

Whatever she wanted, we did. As always, she still enjoyed a good nap in her favorite chair.

Abby stopped eating altogether nine days later.

I knew the time had come when I had to let her go. With a broken heart we had one last car ride together. Thirteen years of memories flooded through me while we drove. As for Abby, she looked out the window like it was just another day.

After arriving back at the Vet, with a quick lick of my hand, she was gone.

Although I cherish the memories, I deeply miss Abby & Me

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