Smoke

November 29, 2004 - April 25, 2017

Authoring condolences to the owners of our TOESR dogs who have left us always has always given me a sad pull to the heart particularly if the dog was one of many I'd fostered (which translates to a part of that dog became mine). It's been unbelieveably difficult to write one of my own dog's 'memorials', given that she was a large part of my life for 11.5 of her 12.5 years. So bear with me. There are alot of memories in that extended period of time. Smoke came to TOESR at a year old. Fellow TOESR office, Betty Windle Davis delivered her to us after picking her up at our local animal shelter when her young owners dropped her off & stated they needed to 'leave town'. We never really knew the circumstances but their loss, my gain. Of course, Smoke became yet another foster 'failure' 101 & blended in remarkably with our then current crew of sheepdogs. She was smart but wasn't your typical 'loves everyone' girl. It took her some time to get to know people but once that happened she was good as gold. When my ex & I parted, it was a no-brainer that Smoke also make the transition. She lived a good life....always up for a road trip (& there were many), my hiking buddy until age started to prohibit that & a stellar ambassador for the steady influx of TOESR foster dogs that came through our home. Newbies always had the 'Smoke' test before moving along to the 'hard stuff' when they were introduced to Odie-no comment there.) Smoke was mentor to both the Scoobs, who thought she was his mom & to Odie, who looked up to her. Smoke's decline wasn't drawn out but there were three things I asked, knowing what was bound to happen....that there be no pain, no fear & that I listened & heard the inner voice that would let me know when it was time for her to continue her journey elsewhere......her demise provided all those things. It was relatively painfree, calm & swift. I can't thank Ruth McCalla Gillis & the staff at Forsyth Veterinary Hospital enough for the compassion & love shown to the both of us during a difficult time. My girl Smoke will always live on in my heart. I miss her. RIP