Farewell, Old Friend: A Heart-Dog's Passing

They say a “heart dog” is the one that changes everything — the one who fits so completely into your life that you can’t imagine it without them. For us, that was Indy.

Our old Weimaraner wasn’t just smart — he was brilliant. He knew at least two dozen commands and carried them out with military precision. He could open and close doors, put dishes in the sink, and even clean up his own toys. If I dropped something — keys, a glove, a pen — I’d just shine a laser light on it, and Indy would trot over, pick it up, and deliver it proudly. That trick alone saved me the day I dropped my keys under the porch. He was a dog who made himself useful — and he knew it.

But even the smartest dogs have their moments. Being a hunting breed, Indy was very interested in my chickens, who were safely fenced off — at least until one particularly reckless hen decided to fly over into the dog yard. Indy, seeing an opportunity to demonstrate his retrieving skills, gently (well… mostly gently) grabbed her, carried her through the dog door, and marched straight into Jim’s mom’s room to present his “gift.”

The only problem? His mouth wasn’t exactly soft. By the time he deposited her on the bed, the chicken had expired — much to his satisfaction and my mother-in-law’s horror. Indy stood there beaming with pride while she half laughed, half cried. He couldn’t understand why his fine hunting performance wasn’t being properly appreciated with honors.

That was Indy — loyal, brilliant, endlessly devoted, and unintentionally hilarious. The house feels emptier without him, but the memories — oh, they still fill every room.

Farewell, old friend. You left us better than you found us.

"Every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." ~~Author Unknown~~

I've had a very busy life. Every since I was a pup I've had lots of work to do.

I've learned lots of lots of things to take care of my family.

There were children to keep warm.....

The whole yard to patrol.....

Friends to make......

Dinner to catch.....

Dinner to eat.....

Smiles to capture.....

Children to keep clean.

Under my watchful care children flourished, a family was kept safe, and a home was filled with my love.

Indy - (Gunmettle's Independence Day) 5/4/98-7/13/11.

You will be loved and remembered forever. Well done, faithful friend.

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©2011 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm