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.
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!"
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: 
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. 
