I can’t do it.
I just can’t .
Before I do anymore posts I need to take the time to talk about how it all began.
Where my love of Newfs stems from.
Sherman and Leroy are my present, but there is a past.
My first Newf. Thunder. Aka ThunderBunder.
Actually that’s not true, Thunder was not my first Newf. His brother Storm was.
Storm was my first Newf.
Severe SAS. Sub Aortic Stenosis.
I was told that he most likely would not live past 2 years old. He would die from sudden death. One day while playing his heart would just give out and he would be gone.
I was heartbroken, again. A few months went by and we were invited to participate in a study at The Ohio State University for Newfoundlands with SAS. Over the next few years we would drive back and forth every few months to have Thunder evaluated. Sometimes he would be sent home with a holter monitor to wear so they could evaluate his heart from home. He was put on a heart medication, and although his heart never got better, it never got worse either.
We were able to spend many happy years with him.
It wasn’t until he was 8 that he started to slow down. He began to get weak in his hindquarters to the point where he could barely get up. When he did get up he would drag his rear paws.
He was eventually diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy.
After a few months it became to much to bear to watch him suffering and we helped him cross the Rainbow Bridge.
I sure miss my ThunderBunder.
So to honor the boys of my past I would like to leave a poem for them:
A Little Prayer for Larry
by M. M. Brown
Is there a country, Lord, where thou does keep
A place reserved for dogs that fall asleep,
Large, airy kennels, yards for hiding bones,
A little river chattering over stones,
And wide, green fields for those that never knew
A smokey town, an old worn rug or two
Before a fire where sparks do not fly out?
Sparks are such nasty things to have about.
I like to think there is; and so I pray
For one young Newfoundland that died today.
He was so full of fun, not very wise,
The puppy-look still lingered in his eyes;
But he was very dear; he’d come to me
And rest his soft, black chin upon my knee.
Thou knowest him. One night not long ago
He tramped with me across the frozen snow;
And there beyond the wood, peaceful and still,
We met Thee walking on the moonlit hill.
Lord, keep him safe, wherever he may be;
And let him always have a thought for me,
That I may hear, when I pass through the dark,
Thy soothing voice, and then a friendly bark.
Five years after Thunder left us I realized that something was missing from our home, our family, and from my life. It was the love of a Newf.
I know we don’t know much about what the futures holds, but if there is one thing, I know my home, my family, and my life will never be without that love again.
IHateToast
Sunday 12th of September 2010
i've never seen a newfie puppy. more puppy shots, please.
Cole
Wednesday 8th of September 2010
That's such a good poem...even if it (and your story of Thunder & Storm) made me cry. Thanks for sharing.
Two Pitties in the City
Wednesday 8th of September 2010
Thanks for sharing. We don't encounter many Newfies here, so it's been interesting hearing about all your experiences and adventures through your blog.
jen
Wednesday 8th of September 2010
Thank you to all of you for the taking the time to read this long post. It was one of those things I just had to do:)No more sad posts this week!
Maddy the Puggle
Wednesday 8th of September 2010
Mommy has tears in her eyes! Your newfs are just as lucky to have you guys :)Kisses,Maddy