Odie came to us when he was just this cute little thing from Kevin Richardson. Kevin asked us to "watch" Odie for a week or so until he could find a place to live. Well the week turned into two, three and then four. Kevin came and asked if he could have Odie back. I told him no, he has a home now and has adjusted well. Even after he chewed up my couch, my daughter's $5000 artificial leg, the bra on my car and the shifter in the car, I had no choice but to keep him now (that little devil). He was the cutest little thing you ever did see.

Well he grew up and helped me get through alot of bad times in my life. I was so very glad he was there for me. Then in January of this year, just a couple days before Randy and I left for Mazatlan, he became very ill. Still don't know what it was, but his lungs were being squished with fluid. We brought him in and started with a water pill and a steroid. I didn't think he'd make it while we were gone. My daughter, Jodi, was taking care of him. I called several times to make sure he was doing OK. Then we went to Daytona in February. He was doing Ok, still had alot of water retention. Kept on the meds. About a month ago, he started to lose his muscle mass and got very thin. About that time we adopted "Dozer" from Brian and Alyssa, a nine month old Husky/Shepherd to keep our other shepherd, Lady company when Odie did pass on.

I made an appointment with the vet this past Monday for Odie so she could check why he was losing fur on his face and leg. I made up my mind on Monday night that Odie has had enough pain and it was time to set him free. One of the hardest decisions I've had to make on my own. I brought him in and they gave him a sedative, which worked fast. Then came the shot, he was gone before the tube was even empty, not feeling a thing.

The 10 1/2 years of love and joy he gave to me can never be replaced, but I will remember it for as long as my memory is good. May you finally rest in peace and just remember how much I love you. You will be missed very much by me, dad, Lady and the rest of the family. Dozer didn't get a chance to know you, so he might not miss you as much. Love to you forever, Odie.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I may lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more than quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege fo sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well to romp and play at your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Some Friends of Odie

Lady
   

Dozer         and         Sheba