Bruno was born in our home a little over 14 years ago. We sold him along with his brothers and sisters when they were 6 weeks old to different owners. The next day after Bruno had been sold he was returned to us because “he didn’t make eye contact” like his young owner thought he should. She had kept him in the garage (in December) that previous night. It broke our hearts that a 6 week old puppy had been torn from his mother and his siblings to be kept in a cold garage with no affection. We decided he had been through enough and couldn’t let him go again.
As my children left home, he became my sole companion in my retirement years. We went through many ups and downs. Empty nest, depressions, loneliness, happiness, sickness and health he was always there for me, loving me unconditionally and vice versa.
Bruno spent his 14 years with me on our 1/3 acre, helping me plant flowers every summer. He only left my side and his home to go to the occasional vet appointment and dog park. He wasn’t crazy about other dogs, mostly just wanted to be with me at all times. We got to where the last few years, between our arthritis and clumsiness, we leaned on each other more and more or helped each other walk over the bumps.
I probably kept Bruno alive a little too long but Bruno and I just weren’t quite ready. When it finally became apparent that he was in a lot of pain and ready to go, I called my vet. They recommended Home to Heaven and after Kathleen came out and we let him go as a family, I realized I’d given him one of the most wonderful gifts of all. The time and love we all had with him and the peaceful passing were exactly what he deserved to have.
I hear Bruno behind me still, feel him waking me up in the morning, and miss him every day. I will always picture him running ahead of me with his head held high, his ears flopping, and his tail reaching for the sun. I have to believe wherever he is; he is waiting for me to come home to him like he always did. He and I will plant flowers in our garden and he will run and play in the yard again.
Sandra Dickey