THOR      



He filled our hearts and bounced through our lives

for almost thirteen years,

And left in his wake a void so vast

it will only be filled with our tears.



With dignity, strength and devotion to spare,

he had his priorities, too.

Car rides and biscuits and chasing fat bees

were passions of his - just a few.



His absolute favorite time of the day

was anytime we were near;

How can we not miss him sprawled on our bed

when through every night he's been here?	

	

While he lived he loved us so fully each day 

and always gave his best.

It's selfish for us to wish him still here 

when we know that he's earned this rest.



But the ache will remain for a while, at least, 

for the faithful friend that we've lost;

He who won love of all that he met, 

and returned it at never a cost.

	

We know that we'll come to a time in our lives 

when only good memories remain,

When we'll think of his pranks, his kisses, those eyes, 

and our smiles will outweigh this pain.



You were 4 months shy of your 13th birthday but it seems it was just yesterday we brought you home on New Year's Eve.  When our house was burglarized the only protector we had was Daisy.  She was fierce but she was only 11 pounds and no match for 3 guys determined to vandalize our home, so we decided to get a bigger protector.



What a way to start a new year!  We housetrained in the heart of winter and each early morning we went out you'd attach yourself to my robe and hang on until we got through the door - by the time you were trained the terry cloth looked like it was professionally fringed.



Daisy taught you how to be a lapdog, and to slide your food bowl out from under her if you didn't want to starve.  Maia came along and you tolerated her so well.  You were always so gentle but you protected all of us with your life.



You led a healthy, happy life and gave us as much happiness too.  You were the reason we hated to leave for work in the morning and couldn't wait to get home at night.  We spent every possible minute at home with you and wouldn't have changed that for anything.



Your back legs began to betray you; when they weakened so badly you couldn't get up to the bedroom we spent your last three weeks sleeping on the first floor together.  You were getting so tired trying to hold up your back end.  The vet said he'd come to the house when we were ready to give you your much needed rest and I was ready to schedule him.  I know you were too.



You'd had a bout with pneumonia about 2 months before and bounced back; so when your temperature went up on that last night I thought you'd bounce back again.  I told the vet I didn't want to leave you there to die but he said since the fever was down he was sure I was leaving you there on intravenous meds just to be safe, and I'd be picking you up in the morning.  Please know that I did what I thought was best for you.  If I had known it was your last night you would have left us in my arms, surrounded by love and comfort.  I will never forgive myself for leaving you to die alone but I fear even more that you needed me and wondered why I wasn't there.  I know you had a long, healthy and happy life but the thought of you being alone on that last night brings me to my knees with guilt and grief.  Please don't think I betrayed you.



Thank you for the love and devotion you gave us.  I am a better person for having spent those years with you.  You never liked it when I was sad so I will try, for you, to be strong until we meet again and when we do I will plant your face squarely in the palms of my hands, look into those beautiful eyes all the way down into your soul, and once again smother you with hugs and kisses.



Sleep in peace, Love.

We miss you so much.