Dear Gorby,

In the past few months you have become so much.

You have become a defender of the house. You bark at the milkman. You bark at the paperboy (and, in fact, when you see him you attack the wheels on his bicycle. Paperboy? Not a fan of the Gorby.) You bark at the mailman, and, most especially, you bark when his mail infringes on your personal space by dropping through the mail slot in the door. Mostly, you battle your mortal enemy, the vacuum cleaner.

You have learnt to play fetch. You stalk the ball like your natural mother, the border collie. You catch it like a professional.

Despite being neglected and abused, you have the most generous nature. You love children in a way I find incredibly endearing, and you will suffer anything just to be near them. Melissa chose to bury you at the beach but you were so happy to be loved on, you absolutely didn't mind.

In fact, you love the beach. You love the water, you love the run, you love the freedom of running around madly, swimming and being pet by those you love and trust.

You have also bonded with Jeff, and bravely face the waves with him.

You have a spirit and a sense of humor. You amaze me. You like to check on me while I'm at the PC by sticking your funky nose in my elbow. Your tail wags incessantly. You like to dance with me. Above all, when I least expect it, you're sticking out your tongue at us.

You have become a great part of my day. People tell us how patient and calm you are, how sweet natured. Children come and hang on you, you simply love them and look after them. Fireworks don't startle you, people aren't frightened of you. You have a funny look that people remember, and when I look at you I think that you are, absolutely, the most beautiful dog I have ever seen.

Your people mommy, she likes to pick you up. You're getting too big and too heavy, but your mommy still tries. She likes to pick you up because, surprisingly, you like to be held. She likes to pick you up because, surprisingly, she likes to hold more than she thought she ever could.

Someone was once mean to you. They abused you and neglected you. I fear that if I ever got my hands on them my pacifist ways would end. I look at you and think that you are a beautiful marvel, a miracle, a gift. You make the days brighter and the moments sweeter. That someone would neglect you means that they not only tried to deny you of the light, they denied themself, as well.

I am the lucky one, then. And I promise you I will spend the rest of your life trying to make your life beautiful.

I don't mean to wash over the beautiful memories of all the lovely dogs I have ever had the privilege to know. I just want you to know, my precious rescue puppy, that I have never loved a canine companion as much as I love you. It does not diminish their gorgeous memories. It just means that you have a spot in my heart that no other has ever filled and you will always own that part of me.

Someday, if you meet me at the Pearly Gates, I will know I have done something right.

I am not religious, but I thank God for you every single day.

Love,
Your Other Mommy

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 06:28 AM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
Post contains 609 words, total size 4 kb.

1 He is growing into a beautiful dog. And I love the shot of him buried in the ... sand? Can't say sand. Pebbles?

Posted by: jac at July 12, 2006 07:32 AM (X5LGy)

2 I was going to say the same as Jac said. That pic of him buried in the sand is precious - and I can't believe he lay still for that! I knew when you first posted his photo that he would likely become a great pet, and with your love, he has.

Posted by: kenju at July 12, 2006 11:43 AM (2+7OT)

3 Our pets are often reflections of their owners! I hope you share the same happiness as Gorby!

Posted by: osteff at July 12, 2006 12:03 PM (uKuUC)

4 What a great dog!! Interesting that a multi car accident on the news barely gets a nod from me, but the pic of you holding Gorby made me tear up. We hav an adopted dog who was also abused, and he is the sweetest dog ever. He's a 75 pound dog who is still under the impression that he's a lapdog. And really, he is...

Posted by: ~Easy at July 12, 2006 12:31 PM (CZPRx)

5 ooh, what a precious puppy. you are both so lucky to have eachother. he's gorgeous, you're gorgeous and the happiness just beams off the two of you. :-)

Posted by: kat at July 12, 2006 01:36 PM (xJGrF)

6 I've always found the critters that were abused or abandoned always seem to have the best dispositions. It's as if they are so thrilled to be treated the way they should be that they themselves can't believe it. Beautiful pics... he's really a lovely dog. I'm so glad you found each other.

Posted by: sue at July 12, 2006 02:13 PM (WbfZD)

7 Ahh he is so sweet, you are both lucky to have each other, we are of the same mind with our pets welfare, my darlin is my heart as well. Take care

Posted by: Cheryl at July 12, 2006 04:36 PM (WWLXT)

8 In Gorby you have found what is referred to as your "forever dog." If you can, you should get your hands on a sweet book called "For Every Dog, an Angel." The book changed they way I remember what I know now is my "forever dog," Max.

Posted by: Kat at July 12, 2006 04:53 PM (4g1jr)

9 What a beautiful, beautiful dog!

Posted by: Irina at July 12, 2006 05:27 PM (uSmBN)

10 No fair trying to break the German like that.

Posted by: statia at July 12, 2006 05:40 PM (NsnoE)

11 Such a sugar puppy. Awwwwwwww.

Posted by: caltechgirl at July 12, 2006 06:11 PM (/vgMZ)

12 oh. my. god. the picture of him buried in the rocks? hilarious! I can't believe how tolerant he is! that's awesome.

Posted by: girl at July 12, 2006 07:08 PM (ZIi+3)

13 Awww...what a beautiful post! I have a soft spot for those spotty dogs. I have one of my own that I love like no other. The photos are fabulous! Tammy

Posted by: Syd's Mom at July 12, 2006 07:11 PM (5SFzE)

14 What a lovely, lovely post. That picture with Jeff and puppy braving the waves? That made my heart catch in my throat. Love you. Love Gorby, too. xoxo

Posted by: Margi at July 13, 2006 06:56 AM (DMa0Z)

15 P.S. The sand? It's SUPERSIZED. Heh.

Posted by: Margi at July 13, 2006 06:57 AM (DMa0Z)

16 The thought of going through the pearly gates together got me all choked up. Have fun together!

Posted by: Hannah at July 17, 2006 05:51 AM (ImQx2)

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