Paving the road for Apollo

[WorkinDogz]

Some of you know that my male GSD Apollo was diagnosed with cancer recently. I had plans to euthanize him; here at home with the help of the love of my life standing by for support...this past Thursday.

Circumstances prevented that from happening (one of the street dogs working with a local PD broke a K9 tooth off and we needed to make a trip to the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan for a root canal and filling instead. By the way.....Dr. Carmichael was the Boarded Specialist that took care of Hudson's tooth and I can't say enough positive things about this gentleman. Exceptional Veterinarian and a true credit to all DVM's.)

So I walked in from a very long day that began at 5 am.....to Apollo greeting me at the door.

I decided that instead of following through with the plans today; that I'd devote this weekend to doing all of the things he loved so much in his youth.

We took a walk.....went to his favorite "hill" and relived some of the awesome times we shared since I brought a tough, confident, comic, PITA-puppy, full-of-himself dog home 9 years ago.

I told him how much fun I've always had with him...and that even though he wasn't the "top dog" I've ever trained; he was BY FAR the dog I had the most FUN training. That boy NEVER failed to make me laugh.... in trial...in training.....around the house.... every single day...I could count on Apollo to do SOMETHING that would make me shake my head laughing and smiling.

I told him that he always made me proud; even when he "messed up"; because I knew he did whatever he did knowing that if I didn't approve; he was willing to meet the consequences with no excuses.

I told him that I loved him very, very much.....even though he wasn't a dog that needed the physical affection that some of the other dogs crave....and that sometimes; I knew the reason he loved me was because I know how to drive and could and would take him bye-bye. He isn't the dog closest to my heart even today; but he most certainly has his spot there secured in stone...just in a most unique way.

I told him that it was a very sad day for me a year ago.....when I woke up one morning and that he went from me telling him to "grow up and act his age already" to him getting *old* seemingly overnight. One day he's raring to go and the next.....he was a 9 year old dog.

I told him that I understood his pain and discomfort.....and I promised my most favorite boy that I wouldn't allow him to suffer any more...... Let's just have one more fun weekend.....and then on Monday......I'll let him go.

Monday night.....there will be a spot; right next to my bed that was occupied for so many years; that won't have him there.

Tomorrow.....we're going to his "Oh have I been good!" place (Dairy Queen. He always got a baby vanilla cone when he did something 'above and beyond' the call of duty.) Then.....my Michael will come over and allow him to take a couple of cheap shots on the sleeve......

Aik.....get ready. The ultimate thorn in your side is coming to the Bridge. You know what you have to do.......prepare the masses....cause he's coming to stir the pot!

It's a very good thing that "All Dogs Go To Heaven" because there were times when I thought he might just be the exception to that rule ;)

'Pollo-man..... I love you to pieces. Let's roll buddy. One more day.......

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

Very beautiful tribute to Apollo. I'm sorry that his time here is coming to an end but it sounds like he had a wonderful life with you. I am starting to see the inevitable signs of aging in my dogs and it is sad to watch. I'm so sorry that Apollo has cancer and can only look forward to more pain and suffering. I really think dogs understand what is in our hearts and he knows you are doing the right thing for him.
Take care and God Bless.

[Judi W]

It is tough when our home starts emptying out so long before we are ready for it. When discussing "best" working dogs one day, my son pointed out to me "mom, ALL your dogs have been the best one"..... well, in many respects, he's right. They are all best in some way. I understand. A hug to you both, from me.

[Troy]

Annette...

You are an amazing person. I'll be thinking of you and Apollo...I hope that when I face my own sad day...hopefully many years from now...I will be so brave and eloquent.

God bless.

Troy

[Skip]

After reading many of your posts in many categories, you sound like a person that has always given your dogs a fun, challenging, purposeful, and eventful life. God bless you and you have my sincerest sympathies.

[JonandMichelle]

Dear Annette, I am sorry to hear of Apollo's passing on Monday. Normally, I would say to a person to hold on to their memories, as they give us a life time. But, I already know you will do that and beyond. You better make that baby vanilla cone into a waffle cone;) Hell, add some sprinkles to it too. Apollo is a very lucky guy to have had you as his owner and best friend. Give him a pat on the ol' head from us.

Go in peace sweet boy! We'll be thinking about you and your Mommy.

[Bruce Lanthier]

When our lives are enriched by a generous soul it is hard to say goodbye. But that same enrichment allows these generous souls to live forever in our thoughts, the thoughts that bring a smile to your face when, during a quiet moment, that generous soul returns for a visit. He will always be with you and you will always be with him. My thoughts are with you.

[WorkinDogz]

Thanks everyone.

This is 2 dogs in less than 6 months time.....although I thank Apollo for doing what Aik didn't. Give me time to prepare myself.....and my kids.

It has been a rough weekend for us. :( The kids understand; but they don't like it one bit. Apollo was the "entertainer" of the crew.....you know.....the one who would sneak up to you while you were taking a nap on the couch and gently pull the pillow out from under your head.....then stand there with the pillow in his mouth looking at you when you were awakened by it.

My 14 yr old daughter said through her tears that she hopes he takes the slipper off of her foot just once more and "asks" her to chase him around...... That's one wish I don't think he'll fulfill though :( Todays events made him a pretty tired old boy.

Elke is going to miss him. Aika is going to miss him because he kept Elke occupied........ (the power struggle continues between those two although it's moving closer to a resolution.)

I'm sure going to miss my favorite button-pusher too..... :( :(

I do know.....that boy had FUN in his life.. Sure was a pleasure (most of the time ;) ) being his sidekick.

Thank you all... and Michelle.....no sprinkles. :) He's more of a "dip coat" kinda boy :) Ok ok.....a medium cone; afterall.....it's his day.

[Teena]

I'm sorry to hear this. :( I wish i could be as brave as you are.
I know he's been blessed to have you for his Mom.
Take care & God Bless.

[alexav]

I'm so sorry Annette. I didn't know about either of your dogs till just now. It took 20 minutes to read your first post. (Too many tears blurring my vision) A beautiful tribute and a wonderful last weekend for the big guy.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there my friend,
Christy

[Barbara Surplus]

Annette, I'm very sorry...it's never easy to say goodbye. You have a few tough days ahead. I didn't know about his cancer but I'm sure you gave him a life of joy. They're never really gone...the best ones make a mark that's etched permanently in the lives of those who loved them.
Barbara

[Dina's Mom]

I';m so sorry Annette! My heart is aching so! I'm giving you and Apollo a great big hug, can you feel it? Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You've helped so many of us through times just like this. I wish there were more I can do to help comfort you and your family. I've asked my Dina to greet Apollo and give him a great big kiss.

Pat

[marianne]

Apollo.......ride the wind! You are a free spirit....chase those butterfly's! Annette, my tears are with you girl! Damn it's so hard to say goodbye. We love them so much,and hate to say those final words of goodbye. So many of our loved ones are waiting for Apollo to come and play with them at the bridge. Apollo,please tell Lilly mom still misses her so very much.

[LORHEL]

I'm sorry that you have to go through this again so soon. I hope his last weekend was extra special. He was blessed to have been with you and shared so many good times and memories. May he be comfortable and at peace at the bridge, and no more pain for him.

[WorkinDogz]

One More Day

LAST NIGHT I HAD A CRAZY DREAM
A WISH WAS GRANTED JUST FOR ME,
IT COULD BE FOR ANYTHING
I DIDN'T ASK FOR MONEY
OR A MANSION IN MALIBU
I SIMPLY WISHED, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

ONE MORE DAY
ONE MORE TIME
ONE MORE SUNSET, MAYBE I'D BE SATISFIED
BUT THEN AGAIN
I KNOW WHAT IT WOULD DO
LEAVE ME WISHING STILL, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

FIRST THING I'D DO, IS PRAY FOR TIME TO CRAWL
THEN I'D UNPLUG THE TELEPHONE
AND KEEP THE TV OFF
I'D HOLD YOU EVERY SECOND
SAY A MILLION I LOVE YOU'S
THAT'S WHAT I'D DO. WITH ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU

ONE MORE DAY...ONE MORE TIME....ONE MORE SUNSET MAYBE I'D BE SATIFIED. BUT THEN AGAIN I KNOW WHAT IT WOULD DO. LEAVE ME WISHING STILL, FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU...

LEAVE ME WISHING STILL FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU
LEAVE ME WISHING STILL FOR ONE MORE DAY WITH YOU