Smoky was an unexpected gift! We went for a scenic drive in Pigeon Forge (on our honeymoon) and we ended up at the animal shelter! Smoky was the sweetest little ball of shepher/husky fur there! Since we were from Georgia, they took the time to call our vets to make sure were "good parents". While we were waiting, I rocked that little baby to sleep in the lobby. He grew more partial to mommy for some reason.... :-D
Our other two dogs welcomed him into our family! Of course, we had our ups and downs but I would not have traded him for anything. He survived being shot by our teenage neighbors-TWICE within a month--shortly before our son was born. We lost one of our other dogs, Sassy in November 2007 to a hit & run driver. My husband passed away June 18, 2008 and that enough to set me back for a long time. I had to move into another house because I couldnt afford the mortgage by myself, therefore I had to find homes for 2 of the 3 dogs we had so I could keep Smoky Bear. I had left the house on September 30 2008, to run a few errands. I didnt think anything unusual when I didnt see Smoky when I left. I came home, put my son to bed and went outside to feed Smoky his daily canned food goodies! When I rounded the corner, I found him dead. I do not know what happened but I do believe there was some bit of foul play involved. He was only 3 1/2 years old. I just sat down in the yard, cradeling him the same as I did the day we adopted him. To me, that was just the same as loosing my husband all over again. When I calmed down, I had family members help me get him the truck and he was taken to the Deceased Pet Care facility in Douglasville, GA. I am still in shock--to a point-because I cant understand why God keeps dealing me these awful blows. My heart has been broken so many times and just when I feel like I am gettign better, something else happens. I took a couple of months to grieve for my Smoky Bear and when the time was right, I found a fur baby in need of a home--a 2 year old Siberian Husky. I named him Mykal Slade Smith (the same initials as my husband). Sure, he is big, hyper, and sometimes wont leave me alone, but I could not have asked for anything other than his love, affection, and loyalty. It's almost like he was sent to us by my husband, Sassy, & Smoky..... Whatever it was, I am so grateful that Slade. When I look into those beautiful blue eyes, my heart melts!!!!! Just as it did every time I looked at Smoky! Thank you to my guardian angels in heaven for sending me this beautiful companion! I will love him with all my heart and soul !