I post this with tears flowing from my eyes. My first GSD, "Jerry Lee" got his somewhat amusing name from that movie. He earned his name early on because he was a talker, very vocal in most situations unless he was told to be quiet. I took myself to training (and him with me) 2-3 times a week, driving 90 miles round trip, for over 3 years.

We did obedience, bite work, some tracking, agility, etc. He was a very strong willed dog, with a huge head, "decent" temperment, and lots of smarts. When he was age 6, he started "marking" in the house. We had him neutered for that in hopes it would stop/help the problem. It did, but something wasn't right when he came home. After taking him to a specialist (and over 3500 later), we were told he had 2 herniated discs from a fall injury (Vet dropped him?) and after doing a spinal tap, with elevated protein levels, he had the beginning of DM. I was crushed. Seeing your dog loose his ability to run and play is terrible. I told myself he can stay with me as long as his mental abilities and spirit are still alive.

4 years later he was still with us! A small change in his diet and constant exercise helped curb the DM. The vet couldn't believe it, but he was still here. On 3-25-08, my wife gave birth to our first child, my son Nicholas. I was worried at first that JL wouldn't take kindly to the fact he was not receiving attention/time as he normally did. I couldn't have been more wrong about him. JL took to the kid instantly, standing by his swing, crib, etc whenever we placed him. He actually refused to go outside and potty one day as the kid was crying, instead following me back to the room and waiting until my son calmed down.

2 weeks after my son came home my dog stopped eating. I was distraught about it, thinking somehow it was my fault. His tummy was starting to grow, and I scheduled an appointment. Bloat? No, he was drinking, no vomit, no other issues. We thought he has maybe eaten a toy perhaps and was blocked up. That sunday night when I left for work, I told him goodbye. Something in my head knew that I wouldn't see my friend again. I'm glad I did, as I was right.

Wife and newborn took him to the E-vet sunday night. A short time later, the x-ray revieled a large tumor and bleeding in his stomach. His mood had changed, and I believe his spirit wanted to move on. Short of loosing my father 2 years ago, this has been the toughest emotional loss I've ever faced.

Around 10:05 4-06-08, my friend JL was sent to run again in the big sky above.

Thank you JL for being patient with me while I tried to learn how to teach you. Thank you for teaching me so much about what you needed. Thanks for the nights you creeped into the bed between my wife and I. And thanks for all the love an affection you gave me. Go now, run and play with my father up there in the sky. Wait for me if you can, but be patient, because I'm not planning on being there for a long time.

I'm very sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a great dog.

Beautiful boy and a wonderful tribute to a well loved dog.

I am so, so, sorry for your loss.

What an incredible tribute to what sounds like an amazing dog, and friend.

I'm so sorry they can't walk the whole way with us; I know this day will eventually come to me, too and I hope I can be as eloquent when it happens as you were.

It sounds like you gave a great dog a good life. I hope that's a small comfort.

A beautiful tribute, beautifully written. Your love for your friend shines through, as well as his love for you and your family.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Amber said it well - I wish they could walk the whole way with us.

What a beautiful boy...I'm so sorry for your loss.

My condolences. Reflect on the good times, of which I'm sure there were many. Speak of him often and keep him in your heart.

Howard

Wonderfully written tribute, if only dogs lived longer.

He sounded like a great dog. I am so sorry for your loss. You sound like you were great friends.