Wednesday, November 12, 2008

All dogs go to Heaven...

My dear old dog, Tommy, went to Heaven Monday night. I wasn't able to be there, but he was in good hands with my sweet Sister-in-law Cassie, my brother Mike, and their 4 kids. For those of you who have or have had animals pass away, you can understand my grief. I kind of feel silly for being so sad, but he was literally a part of my life and family for 11 years. So here's to you Tommy! I love you!

Summer of 1997 took my mom and to a house to look at puppies. There were several to chose from in the big little of black labs, but there was one that stuck out to me. He wasn't one of the puppies jumping up and down or trying to nibble my hand. He was simply hanging out behind the others patiently waiting to be picked up and petted. My Mom and Dad had always told us the best dogs start out as the calm puppies. So I grabbed him and my Mom and I both fell instantly in love. We took him home and gave him a name: Tommy. I'm not really sure where we came up with the name, but I think it may have been inspired by the movie "Tommy Boy."

I remember taking Tommy to our high school extravaganza and he was of course the center of attention, like most puppies are. I used to sneak Tommy inside and let him sleep in my bed, little did my Dad know (well he actually probably did know, but let it slide). Most of his life I was actually at college, but when I would come home, he would remember me and treat my like I never left. Tommy was such a special dog, and all the grand kids knew it. He would let them crawl all over him, pull his hair, ears and tail, and NEVER once did he snip at any of them. Nor did he bark. He was such a protective dog. Whenever there were little kids outside, he would stick by their sides and be a barrier to the road out front.

One of my favorite memories is when I packed him into my jeep with my friend Melissa to take him to see "Santa Paws." One moment we were laughing and talking, the next moment we were gagging from some AWFUL smell. Yup, Tommy was all man. He let a big one in the car. WE were the ones sticking our heads out the windows that day.

Even when Tommy grew noticeably older, he would still jump up to greet you. And yes, some of you may remember how stinky he was, but he couldn't help it! He LOVED swimming in the canal, but my Mom always made it better by spraying Fe breeze on him.

Tommy lived out the last year of his life at Mike and Cassie's in the country, just where he belonged. I'm sure he spent his last year enjoying chasing the pheasants, scaring the foxes, and protecting the kitties. He was such a gentle dog, that he would even let the little kitties snuggle with him.

I'm going to miss you so much Tommy! But I'm sure you are thoroughly enjoying hanging out with Miss Muffet, Cuddles, Rebel, Rush, and Roxie (our many dogs through the years). Love you Tommy! Here are a few pictures I took off Cassie's blog. I unfortunately don't have any of my own of Tommy on my computer. This shows a little of how patient and sweet he was with kids.





7 comments:

banananutmeg said...

I'm sorry marc! He was a sweet pup.

Mandi said...

That is so sad! I am sorry! It really is a hard thing...

Claire said...

I remember when Chloe died, I cried like a baby and Lorens family all thought I was crazy. They are not dog people. Why I did not find this out before I married him. Sorry Marcie, I feel your pain.

Anonymous said...

For anyone that wants a great read...check out the book "Marly and Me". If you've ever owned a dog, good or bad, it will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate man's best friend.

Cassie said...

Ah Marcie,
I'm sorry, again. Maybe it's time for a puppy! haha. My kids want a puppy, I told them they get a baby sister instead.
I got the evite for Troy's blessing. Cute and we will be there. love ya.

The Stones said...

i am so sorry! those pics are darling though.

ps- i love the photos from halloween as well... toooooo cute!

Philip and Melissa said...

Oh, cute but so sad!!!!