Paving the road for Apollo

[Sue]

My heart is breaking for you Annette. What a character! I can see him at the bridge, that great tail wagging, with a pillow in his mouth and a twinkle in those brown eyes. Godspeed Apollo. God bless, Annette.

[rottix2]

I'm so sorry about Apollo. How well you expressed what he meant to you and what a nice tribute to his life your words were.

[RottManK9]

Annette,

He know's you love him and that's what count's.

Good on the K-9 Unit's, it's all about respect.

Godspeed Apollo

[mccoy]

WorkinDogz,

Thanks for helping me see the light about my Ozzie and know he will...
soon follow Apollo. Just want you to
know I am sorry but it takes a better
person to be unselfish when it comes
to something like this. I can tell he
was a big part of your life but when
we lose someone we love memories are
what keep us going...When you think of
Apollo think about him with the others
we've lost waiting on us at the bridge.

God Bless, thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family.

[AimeeMB]

I am so very sorry. He will be with you always...

Sincerely,

Aimee and Kizer

[maryh]

I am very sorry to hear about Apollo. He sounds like a great
dog.......who led a wonderful life. You have my deepest respect
and admiration for the way you cared for him, ALL his life. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[KatMc]

Annette,

I'm so sorry. Delia was there to welcome Apollo also and I'm sure they are watching over us.

That's really neat that the K9's were there. How awesome!

I've been offline for almost a week so I just got back today. Please know you are in my heart!

Kathy

[cinde33]

Annette,

I cried at your poem. It was beautiful and hit me square in the heart! So many people have said the same thoughts I have in this post, all said so thoughtfully.

The K-9 units being there for you - well, that's just one of the coolest things I have ever heard.

He had a wonderful life. He was cared for and loved. And he knew you and your family's love. He will be a leader on The Bridge for sure.

God bless, Cinde

[JoJo]

Annette I'm sorry you had to make that decision, but you did it with class! Apollo was a very lucky dog to have such a loving mommy. You paved the road for so many of us. That is the hardest choice we all may have to face, but if we re-read your posts, we all can learn that it can be done with grace, style, class and most of all love.

Hold on to those memories, for they will bring many smiles to your heart. But for now, cry, as tears are healthy and they help heal the pain and sorrow.

JoJo

[WorkinDogz]

Selfish bitch that I am.....I want one more day again!!! :( :(

Lots of tears JoJo...lots and lots of tears.

Thank you all for such warmth and caring. It means so much not just to me; but to everyone else who has had to do this FOR our dogs.

This is the part I HATE about loving dogs.

I've been working on purchasing a K9 Training Center (2 miles from my home) but the deal fell through (the $$ people who were going to be partners) BUT....I've decided to use my "minority" status (female.....single parent) to get a loan from the SBA and go it alone.

The owner is willing to hold the mortgage for me for a few years and we're moving "forward".

This place is my dream come true. Everything I would have built, added, wanted in a working dog training centre. I stopped by there today (it was over 60 degrees here in NY) and saw the most perfect spot for a "memorial statue". A tribute to working K9's.

Aik was an amazing competition dog. He was my once in a lifetime..... but Apollo.....was the most "complete". He could switch gears from giving helpers all they could take.....to laying on his back with a kong in his mouth in the middle of the living room.

Apollo will be on that Memorial.

[alexav]

Annette,
Your post is a perfect example of what my Dad always says. When one chapter closes, another chapter opens. You have my empathy for your loss of Apollo, Losing them sucks SO bad!You also have my heartfelt congratulations for having the intestinal fortitude for forging ahead to your dreams. (Those $$ people are nothin' but trouble anyway;) )
The memorial statue is such a wonderful tribute. What an awesome idea. I wish you all the success in the world with your training center.

You can bet your butt, that if I didn't live all the way out west, I'd be your first student!:D

[Nash's Mom]

Annette:

I dread going into this forum because it is so sad. It is the only downside to having pets. My apologies for not responding sooner.

By your description, it sounds like Apollo was a terrific dog, both a working dog and a pet companion. What better way to honor a working dog than the tribute from K9 officers and the memorial statute!

I am so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

And, to second what Alexav said, if I lived in NY, I would also be your student. Nash needs a trainer like you.

Good luck with the training facility.

Nash's Mom

[Karyn]

Out of the ashes rose the Phoenix - Congratulations on your training center - it is gratifying to know that the life of these loved ones will be celebrated and honored every day of your life in doing the work you love. May God bless you Annette -

[kaiser's mom]

My heartfelt thougths are with you and your family... Apollo had a beautiful life...Your bond with Apollo showed in your very special tribute...may you always listen to the whisper in the wind and the many signs they send us from the bridge..I am sure my Kaiser will have no problem helping Apollo stir the pot.....

[WorkinDogz]

Isn't amazing how slowly a week can pass when we spend it thinking about someone who ISN'T with us? :(

I miss you Apollo. Big bunches!