by Matt Waterwall
When I saw her wink at me from behind the glass I knew we had to take her home. I am a sucker for blue eyes and I swear she winked at me. Precious was not a full blood Weimaraner but you couldn't tell her any different. She was royalty and I was content to let her be. I purchased her as a gift her for my wife years before we were married, but the truth is Precious was my dog. I never really had a dog growing up and was eager to jump in with both feet. Precious and I bonded through obedience class. She was an over achiever. She was a quick learner and above all else eager to please. I was more than proud to get the complements on how well she showed. A bird dog by design, Precious loved to work. I am not a hunter, so we settled on Frisbee and retrieving tennis balls from the lake. In her prime precious was a beautiful dog, great form, silver coat and piercing eyes this is how I will always remember her. Over the years precious was a constant companion but as time passed she was somewhat relegated waiting in the wings. We would later rescue a rottweiler making us a two pet household. By the time my sons were born Precious was getting up in age and more content with lounging and getting a treat from time to time. Long gone were the roller blading sprints with her wearing a harness and me hanging on for dear life. But I don't think she was any less happy. When she passed her 10th birthday I started preparing for the day she would be gone. Most big breed dogs start to decline in health soon after that milestone. Two months ago we had a cancer scare with her and I forced myself to accept the fact she may need to be put to sleep. Instead she went back home with us and had two more months of our company. Precious started getting sick yesterday morning and by the time I got home around midnight she was still throwing up. My wife and I traded turns checking in on her throughout the night but by 5:30 am my pup was unable to stand on her own. I called the vet, loaded her up and drove to meet him at the office. She was in bad shape by then and the doc was still about five minutes away. I climbed into the back of the truck with her and held her for a while, trying to comfort her and myself. She was responding but just barely...she was fading very fast. I had a feeling this was going to be our last time together and I am sure she did too. She took a couple of deep breaths as I held her head towards me, she tensed up briefly and then went limp in my arms. My dog was gone. I tried to be there for her but the truth is it was she who was there for me. Say what you may, but I think precious knew I couldn't handle discovering her on my own and also knew I couldn't bear leaving her in someone else's care. I think she was ready to call it quits but waited until I was ready to let her go. She gave me the comfort of believing I was there for her to see her out. Like most dogs precious was a pleaser...and was one all the way to the end. Today I lost good friend, she knew me better than most and I will miss her a great deal. Precious, you go to it girl, go run, go play, and have your fun. I will see you again some day, thank you for the time you gave me and the happiness I could never repay.