We received Smurf from the Toledo Collie
Rescue in Ohio. I remember we were at a dog show and I saw this beautiful
blue merle collie in a crate. I walked over to see her, and fell in love
at first sight. We noticed an index card on her crate. My mom and I took
the time to read it, and found that Smurf's real name was Murphey.
Just then Carol Lamb (the women who helped us adopt Smurf)
came over and told us we could take her out and play with her some. I did,
and Mom kept on reading. I fell in love with Smurf. It seemed like we were
meant for each other right away. So, like any 12 year old kid, I asked
if we could keep her. I didn't know it, but Smurf was around 14 years old.
I didn't care, I wanted her. I think mom and dad knew
that we would have to have her put to sleep at some time or another. I
knew they were debating on letting me have her. I really don't know why
they did decide to let me keep her, but they did.
I remember the ride home in our old station wagon. Smurf
and I riding in the back. I remember I was so happy. Smurf was my first
dog. I had my arms around her neck so tight, that I thought I was choking
her to death!!! I loved her from the very beginning.
When we got home I let Smurf out to do her business,
Thats when she did the thing that made me laugh for days to come, she rolled,
growled, and nipped at the air all at the same time. Smurf really enjoyed
her morning, noon, and night time rolls. I think I enjoyed them almost
as much as she did. When we took her in, mom and I decided to give her
a bath and brush her. Thats when we found out she had mats all over in
her pants, hock hair, and basically, her entire hind quarters.
That night mom and I stayed up until around 5:30a.m.
cutting hair off of my new dog. Smurf had had problems walking from the
day we got her. We were sure she had canine hip displaysa. After mom and
I did all the cutting, Smurf was able to walk a little better. That made
me feel great!! Every night my dog would follow me up the stairs (even
when someone would have to carry her) and straight into my room. I had
my mattress on the floor so it was quite easy for Smurf to hop into bed
with me, and thetas what she did for almost every night that followed.
A couple of weeks after we got Smurf, my dad said we had too many house
dogs and that we would have to make some kennel dogs. So that day dad had
me take Smurf out and tie her up. I remember the way she whined and whimpered
to get back into the house. I didn't think of even asking, I remember telling
my dad that she would be an inside dog no matter what. I think it was after
dad fell in love with her that he decided that she would be an inside dog
no matter what.
We all loved Smurf. She had the most beautiful bark a
dog could have. She could be as silly as a puppy and as mellow as a dog
asleep. She was the best dog in the world. But unfortunately, as I grew
up, I grew away from my dog. Smurf was still my dog in all ways. She always
would be. Except I just couldn't spend as much time with her as I once
did. Oh sure, she was waiting for me by the door when I got home from school.
She would follow me into the bathroom when I would take a shower. She would
go outside with me to feed the horses. You name it and that dog and I did
it together.
I realized Smurf was getting older but I still loved
her. I didn't care. I had talked to mom and dad a lot about having Smurf
put to sleep because she was losing her hearing, her sight, her sense of
smell, she couldn't turn, or walk up stairs the way she use to. I just
kept putting it off. The longer I waited, the better, or so I thought.
Little did I know that I was causing my dog pain because I didn't want
to suffer from the lose of not having her. I finally realized on July 6
that I had to do it now.
I had just gotten home from a camping trip when I went
over to see Smurf. She wouldn't get up for me. She just layed on her side
and moved her head. Thats when I reached in to pet her, thinking she was
just too hot, when I felt her ribs and spine. I know Smurf had been given
at least two cups of food a day so she shouldn't be this skinny. Thats
when I stood up and called a vets office.
I knew, Smurf knew, mom knew, and dad knew it was time.
Smurf had to be put to sleep. I cried all that day. I still cry to this
day for the loss of my first fury-friend. I wish I had gotten her as a
puppy, then I could have had all 19 years with her, instead of only 5.
There are so many things I could wish for and never get. Thats why I am
only going to wish for one thing and out of all my wishes I hope that one
comes true.
I wish that Smurf would be waiting for me on the other
side of the Rainbow Bridge. I love you Smurf and I will never forget you!!
Spring Sterling