A TRIBUTE TO HUNTER

APRIL 11, 1994 - JUNE 30, 2008

We waited so long for you
Your breeder was sending you as a replacement
Sassy had been with us for 3 years
JR had just passed
My husband said it was too soon
My heart was still lonely
We contacted your breeder
Told him we could not wait

We held our breath at the airport
You arrived in such a small crate
In such a big plane
We saw you through the wires
You were so red with copper & white
A little boy with big prick ears
We took you out of the crate
You growled at us

We all stopped at the vet's
You only had one testicle
We waited for it to drop
It never did
Those prick ears you always had
The testicle never dropped
Show dog to companion you became

You were a singleton pup
Your attitude was strong
Barking, growling and keeping others at bay
You opened your heart in a secreatative way
To allow very few behind your shell

You grew, not much, only 35 pounds
With those big prick ears
The attitude of Attila
The head of his kingdom
The ruler of the world

You loved your dad and tolerated your mom
You loved the Jeep and all the rides
You hung out the jeep and barked at cows
Antelope and many wild horses
Far away from anyone
Nothing ever got too near us
You were very protective

You were joined by many other dogs
Ruled your kingdom with an iron paw
They wouldn't cross over you
You blocked their way
They waited for you to move before they came forward

and

You grew old, very old
14 years with us, only ours
The others could be friendly
You wouldn't try
You guarded us well
All on the ranch

Your eyes clouded
You developed nasal problems
You snored at night
Sneezed all day

We had special medicine just for you
Cookies every day, love all the time
Your own special beds
For you were special, like no other
Our prick eared small mighty dog
So red with a white collar and copper sprinkles
Nothing was ever like you .... NEVER.

Your walk became hard
Your sneezing difficult
That last day you didn't eat
You had never missed a meal
Never missed a cookie

We started to cry
We knew this day was coming
Always too soon and never expected
You wouldn't get up
You couldn't breathe
We knew you needed us to help you pass

The vet lives close
Came by in the evening
You were too tired to rise
Didn't even want your precious cookie
We knew it was time
To help you to the Rainbow Bridge
To be with old friends

Our tears dropped on your body
As you laid still, breathing stopped
We cried oh so hard, you breaking our hearts
We knew it was right helping you pass
Knowing there was nothing more that we could do
Time had taken its toll

We took off your collar to save it special
A clip of hair to remember you by
We had a special birthday card
Given to you last year from our Brittney
Wishing you a Happy 13th Birthday

We had a small jeep
Like you used to enjoy
Like one you refused to get out of
Growling at us to let you alone

They are all with you now
Your memories with us
Your pain is over
Ours is so strong

We cry and feel the pain of your loss
It will never go away
No matter who is still here
You are not replaceable

Hunter was 14 years on April 1st of 2008. He was a magical dog so
different than ever we had before. He would love to live his life in
Dad's jeep, driving together in the desert passed the cows, antelope
and wild horses. When we arrived home he refused to get out and tried
to bite us when we tried. He grew more stubborn as he
aged and could stand off all of the other dogs when he slept in the
hallway. None would dare to pass by his sleeping, snoring body. We
knew the day would came and it came too soon. We hope he is free of
his aged body with all its problems and he is with his friends at the
Bridge waiting for our older bodies to come be with him. Hunter you
will never be forgotten. The puppy that came too soon to fill a
loneliness we had. Never quite what we expected at all, but one small
red tri dog with prick ears that left many paw prints on our hearts.

Hunter, my tears are still for you. Be well, happy now and patient my
love. It will not be too many years and we too will be there to
gather you and your friends and WE ALL will cross to the Rainbow
Bridge together. Soon my love, soon.