In Memory of Woods Creek Stormy Echo - 1988 to 1998
My Woods Creek Stormy Echo, CD, WAC, CGC died on Sun, Dec 6th. He was 10yrs & 4mos old, and after his last check-up six months ago, the vet said all vital organs were normal, including his heart. He was fence running with the neighbor's dog when he collapsed, turned blue, and was dead within two minutes while I held him. My first Dobe died in exactly the same manner at the age of 10 1/2 yrs. Echo wasn't a show dog, but was bred once and his four offspring are 8 yrs old and doing fine. This is so heartbreaking, but at least he went quickly and I was with him. I'd like to share a little letter I wrote to him last night:
Sept, 1988
"When you were 8 weeks old, you retrieved a tennis ball for me. You stole my heart. I brought you home and you posed with "frog" for your first portrait. You played with a frisbee that was twice the size of your tiny body. I fell in love with your inquisitiveness. You grew into the strongest and bravest of Dobermans.
You swam with me underwater; you hiked with me in the mountains; I took pictures of your every stage of growth. You showed me more than anyone else the meaning of unconditional love. I was your mistress and whatever I did that included you was okay with you.
At dinner time, Max would run across the living room to attack Jake. He would jump up and try to bite his neck, Jake would just wait until Max was through showing who was boss, then they would both go and eat. This was a nightly ritual and Jack wasn't allowed to go eat his dinner until after this little ritual.
Dec 6th, 1998. 3pm
Your great big loving heart decided that it was time to go today. You died in my arms and took with you a torn piece of my heart. Your spirit will always be a part of my soul.
Your eyes are twinkling in the stars we watched together; your little sneezes are the gusts of desert wind; I can hear your bark in the Thrasher's call; your little whimpers of impatience for your runs are in the Cactus Wren's squawks; and, best of all, the feel of your soft head on my lap is the warm desert sun that shines each day ---
I do not weep for you my boy, because you are at the bridge romping with Odin & Chuey. I weep for the deep sadness that replaced the hole in my heart when you left. You will always be my Echoness!"
Echo's Mom, Ann Somerville email Ann
Email Sandy