Elwood. Noble Beast. Steadfast
Companion. My faithful friend
for 6 years and 58 days. Adopted
on 6/17/1997 at the age of 8 years, died 8/14/2003 following a three-year
struggle with degenerative myelopathy.
Elwood was surrendered to the humane society because he was old “and would
die soon anyway.” A frequent
flyer through the humane society’s stray ward, he clung to me like Velcro
after I adopted him. Though he
would occasionally surprise me by taking a field trip to the neighbor’s
house, Elwood usually made sure I was always at least in his eyesight.
Even when he could barely walk, even if he had to scoot, he did not
stay in a room very long once I left it.
When outdoors, he was content just watching me from wherever he chose
to lay down, changing spots only if I moved too far away from him.
The only things Elwood wanted out of life were special food treats
(carrots, chicken, and dried liver were his favorites), lots of water to
drink, and me nearby. Elwood is
what one would describe as really, REALLY low drive.
It’s hard to understand how one could become so attached to a dog
with that kind of temperament. And
actually until it became clear to me that he wouldn’t be with me much
longer, I didn’t truly know how strong our bond was.
Elwood
convinced me that there are huge pots of gold behind shelter doors and I
know if I ever get another dog, not only will it be a shelter dog but it
will be a senior dog. Elwood
suffered the ultimate betrayal by his first human when he was tossed away
like a used car. Someone was prepared to extinguish Elwood’s flame when he
still had so much to give. For
six years I had the privilege of being adored by this big boy and nothing I
could have provided for him would have been able to match what he gave to
me. Nothing beats that kind of
love.
My
father taught me to love German Shepherds. I pray that he and Elwood find
each other because there couldn’t be any better eternal companions for
either one of them. I love you Elwood.
--A Murray
