My dog, my heart

[Rottielvr18]

Major Maxwell as he formily became to be known as, was my pride and joy. A pure bred German Shepherd. He was born May 27, 2000. A clumsy handsome puppy that I immediately feel in love with. Around the age of 6 months Major was neutered. The vet informed us Major had a weak heart. He told us that they would keep in eye on it incase it was to get worse.{keep that info in mind} Where I was he was. Where I ate he ate. Were I slept...well...he "tried" to sleep too {to big for my bed!} He was really all I ever talked about. My friends new him, my teachers new him, everyone associated me with him. I was CRAZY about him. He knew what I felt and I knew exactly how to read him. He meant everything to me growing up. I always made him birthday cakes, and if I could catch her in a good mood, my mom would take us to pet related stores to go shopping together. Major always went to work with me. He loved other dogs and there for helped me go further into my passion of helping other dogs. He was a comfort zone for anti-social fosters. Major loved the snow. Winter was his favorite season out of all. Throwing snowballs always made his day. He was a family dog but everyone in my family considered him my dog. He would protect me from anything and I knew I was safe. My own parents could never scold me or Major would stand in-between protesting with barks and growls. My older brothers’ couldn’t pick on me or he would bark and growl. Whenever I would have bad night mares and would wake up, just seeing Major sleeping beside me, reassure me that if something was to of taken place he would alarm and protect me with his life. I could always count on him. When having fights with friends literally at one point Major was my only friend. I actually would have rather had him as an only friend then some other people I no. Major grew to be a beautiful 128 pound baby. Pure bred and pure heart Major was my doggie soul mate. I can't say how many times I loved him. Whenever school would come around Major was there to watch me catch the bus and was there waiting for me when I returned. I even took him to school with me a couple of times for blessing of the pets or for my birthday surprise. I could never say enough about him. Close to Majors 4th birthday he started to limp, his leg even became swollen and hot. I was scared for him and he knew it. I hated to leave him in fear something was to happen. His leg increasing became worse within a couple days time and after some vet visits it was discovered Major had elbow dysplasia. I was devastated. I was just about to graduate from a catholic elementary school and I couldn’t wait to share my freshman, sophomore, and senior years at an actual public school with him by my side. I knew this was bad but it became worse. On top of having elbow dysplasia Major also had arthritis, in both front joints. This of course is all operationable, but remember Major had a weak heart. Removing the leg that had elbow dysplaisa was discussed, but with Majors’ 128 pound body, his other front leg which also had arthritis wouldn’t be able to support his body weight and it too eventually would develop elbow dysplasia. And the heart breaker…Major couldn’t go under for surgery or his heart would stop from being so weak. Finally his last diagnosis while we where at the vet was, Major had to the age of 5 years to live before he died of heart failure. I was beside myself the whole time. My dog….my dog wasn’t going to see another year. My dog wasn’t going to celebrate Christmas with me, thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, or any other holiday EVER again. I cried hysterically. Why him I remember asking my dad. He did nothing wrong. Why was God taking him…at the point I would have rather gone then him. The good always die too young. Major was an angel sent to me from God I believe something to good to be true. His date was then made to be humanly put to sleep….forever. I remember pleading with God not to take my dog. But I knew for his own happiness Major needed to go. June 28th, 2004 Major was taking to vets for his last final visit. I was with him through it all. I didn’t miss a breath or his last final heart beat. I was actually the one to know he died before the vet officially declared it. My hand was on his chest telling him repeatedly how sorry I was. He lay beside me just like we use to when he was a baby. I am crying now almost 2 years now from his last day with me. He gave me the greatest gift I could of ever wanted. Nobody could ever take that away from me. He looked into my eyes before he went to sleep and for the first time I could see how much he really loved me. His body was broken but his loved remained. I now dedicate every little thing I do with animals to him. I put all my effort into helping because I never want a dog to feel unloved. I was glad I was with Major till his last breath or I wouldn’t be able to live. I still miss him very much and will never forget him. I always cry when talking about him or remembering how it use to be. I wish I had more pictures but unfortunately I never though he would go so young. He is always in my mind and now I know never to take anything for granted. Thank you Major for showing me how to share my love. I will never ever forget you.

[Shadowkins]

I'm so sorry for your loss, even though it's been two years, you will never forget Major, that I know, but hopefully the pain will be replaced by the good memories and the warm glow of love, cause love never dies.
I'm sure he is watching and guarding you still .
Thanks for sharing your story and take care.

[calgal]

I'm sure he's at Rainbow Bridge helping all the little guys cross over. It is very difficult when you lose a dear companion. I've had losses over the years, so I know your sorrow. Now I can think about my little friends with a smile on my face.

[Pugdawg1]

Such a touching story. My heart goes out to you ~ you have me in tears. I am so sorry for your loss. Although his time with you was short, it was wonderful for you two to be together, and to have the privilege to feel that love, that special unforgettable bond.

[URSULA]

We are dog people and dogs are the greatest gift. there is an old Red Indian story I learned about at university while studying Native American studies it tells that the great creator had all the animals on earth in one place before he assigned their places . All of the animals stood opposite man, the great creator then asked the animals "is no-one going to stand at the side of man?" Just as he waved his hand to divide mankind from the animal kingdom the dog jumped over to stand at the side of man. the dog has been there since. I also lost my beautiful Olde English Sheepdog "SashaNoo" it will be almost 3 years ago and she lived until she was 11 1/2 years old. Still that time was not long enough. I believe dogs are so special because their time with us is so short but they are such great ambassadors for their kind. Major would want you to get another dog or two so that you would know he sent some friends to watch over you. I now have 2 dogs one Olde English Sheepdog name of BOOMER and a pound mix
part Retriever part Princess MISSY they would not be in my life if it had not been for one very special OES name of Sasha Noo
God Bless
ursula

[linnie]

You are my idea of a brave and loving person and in one that is young that is unusual.
I wish I could say words to make you feel your loss less but I know from experience that we need to feel the loss and remember the love we felt.

All I can say is that your boy couldnt have had a better life during his short stay on earth. You are a loving and lovely person