Unfortunately its Gunners time. This past weekend we had a party at the house for him. Friends and family that know him. Beer, music, belly rubs, burgers, dogs, chicken. etc. It was a great time. Yesterday he and I spent most of the day in the garage. I was smoking some shoulders, he was enjoying the cool concrete floor. I'm working 4/10's this week in order to take Friday off. I was given 2 options for timing at the Vet 11:00 or 3:30. I took the 3:30. Wondering if I should've just gotten this done early in the day. But I know my plan on how to deal with it immediately afterwards. Grab a case of cold Bud Light cans and head to a local club I belong to. The Fairfield Optimist. Told the wife I would like to do this whole thing alone, I don't like being vulnerable in front of her. But told her she could go, drive separate, I want to be left alone afterwards. I have begrudgingly agreed to take him to my mothers house on Wednesday so she can say goodbye. Some of yall know the long dramatic story, but she kept me from seeing my dad before he passed away in Jan 2020, so when I heard she wanted to see him, I originally lost my sh!t. But decided to be the bigger person and had my sister set it up.
I've had Gunner since he was 11 weeks old, or so I was told. I was looking for a GSD at the time but wasn't in a position to afford one, so I was heading to get a chocolate lab. A friend called, knowing I was looking for a GSD and said she knew someone that had 1. Male, 11 weeks old. Didn't have a yards, couldn't keep him. $100. HELL YES. So off I go. I pull into this trailer park and there's a white ball of fur sitting on the porch. WTF is that? That's not a GSD. LOL My first time seeing a white one. 12 years later and I wouldn't trade him for the world. To try and explain what he means to me, and the fact that he has saved my life a few times, I suffer from severe PTSD from my time in Iraq, would be difficult to put into words.
I am having him cremated and will place his remains next to a my favorite picture of him. Told the wife when I die, he goes with me.
I know what to expect Friday, but I don't know how Ill be able to keep my emotions in check. There just may not be enough bud light in the world to get that lump down my throat.
Wont have my buddy to drink coffee with on the back deck on the weekend mornings anymore. Wont have my beer buddy next to the firepit anymore.
Anytime I would crack that first beer, his head would snap and look at me wondering where his was. "You want a beer? You gotta tell me" One loud bark was all it would take.
Never had any problems out of Gunner. He is a great dog, and to watch him struggle just plain sucks.
Next time you assholes crack a beer, have one for Gunner. Unless it's Miller Lite, throw that shit in the garbage.
Heros get remembered, legends never die.