In Loving Memory

Prancer Dancer

Where you came from, neither dad nor I knew; but you happened upon our neighborhood on a bright sunny day. How were we to know that like the weather that day, you would bring sunshine into our lives? The call came from the office, asking if our other dog was loose, since we had a Doby at home with us at that time. Well, as you know dad, he couldn’t resist going to rescue another “stray”. When we found you, you were limping but you still came to greet us with a wiggle of your butt - as if to say “Hi, will you please take me home with you?” Needless to say, it was definitely love at first sight! You followed along giving no resistance to a collar and leash, and as you walked, you earned your new name: Prancer! See girl, no matter where you went, you would always lift your long legs as if to dance across the floor. Nothing seemed to slow you down! Your personality, obedience and just plain charm wormed its way into our hearts, and we knew that you would become a permanent member of our household from that day forward.

Prancer, you never minded other dogs coming into our home; no, in fact you would be there at the door wiggling all over to greet each new four foot that walked through. We could never get you to play - we figured that wherever you had come from, your previous owners must have mistreated you in some way. BUT! When the new puppies, our future Guide Dog wannabe’s came into the picture, you took their training into hand.

You made the job very easy for us girl! You would chase both Weston and Roddy around, playing “hide and seek”; permitting them to climb all over you and chomp on your ears; or run back and forth under you looking at them as if to say “really guys, is this necessary?” If you knew how many times we wished that we could take you with us on some of our puppy socialization days. We knew how well behaved you were, it was just convincing others that you were too! Remember your bath times girl? In the beginning, dad would have to chase you into the bathroom and quickly shut the door - somehow you developed a “sixth sense” as to when it was “your turn”! Somehow, we could never get you over your fear of the tub…

Of course, we can’t forget your “blanky”. Do you know how many people would stare in disbelief at a Doberman who sucked on a “blanky”? They would watch in humor as you methodically took your blanky between your front legs and proceeded to bunch it up just enough so that you could grab a corner and suckle it. Who ever thought Doby’s were mean, quickly changed their mind whenever they saw you and your “blanky”! You would drag it around the house - why you ever attached so quickly to your blanky is beyond our human comprehension, but wherever you are now, your blanky became your shroud, and I’m sure you are still suckling the edges of it…

In September 1995, your health started a rapid decline. We took you to the vet, but it was what we were expecting - heart worm. Knowing that an operation may not cure you, dad and I made the painful decision to forego the operation and instead place you on medication to keep this dreaded disease somewhat under control. We knew that the time was coming when we would have to make our final good-bye. Seven months later, although we tried our best to ignore it, the signs were there that your time with us would soon be gone. How can I forget your coughing? Oh girl, I am sorry for the times that I would tell you to “knock it off” just so I could get some sleep! What dad and I wouldn’t give now to hear you again, even for one night.

Because Dad is “the dad”, he got the job of taking you for your last car ride. We knew that morning while looking into your eyes, that it was time. Those big brown eyes so filled with pain, begged us to end your suffering. Somehow you must have known that it would be difficult for us, yet you waited patiently until we could give up your physical presence in our home. You must have sensed where you were going, because when dad got home from work, you were waiting by the door, and you went to his truck as if to say “come on dad, lets go, I’m ready”. The final picture I have of you - sitting up so proudly, that’s how I will always remember you! Even on your last car ride, you carried yourself with dignity. Dad stayed with you while you fell asleep with your head on his lap and as you reached up to give him one last kiss, he allowed himself to shed tears for you; and then the light in your eyes slowly dimmed from your physical form and your soul soared over to The Rainbow Bridge .

Prancer Dancer, Dad and I still miss you… we will always remember you. Up over Rainbow Bridge, we hope that you are learning to play and taking the motherless pups under your wings as you did so well here on earth.