The Best Dog
Eleven years ago when I saw a fat tiny puppy being given away in front of a grocery store, I never would have thought…
I remember when I got Luther thinking how weird it was to think that he’d probably be the dog that played with my kids. Kristin and I weren’t even dating yet, and kids weren’t even close to being on the radar.
I remember teaching him to understand what I was saying instead of ‘normal’ commands. Things like ‘get in the car’ and ‘go to bed’. He didn’t listen to anyone else, but he knew what I was saying.
I remember the open bag of dog food I left in the back of my car because we were always going some place and he needed snacks.
I remember taking him on a six mile backpacking trip and to the top of a mountain (in the rotating pictures above) where his feet got all cut up and I ended up carrying him six miles out of the woods.
Once Kristin and I were married, I remember him embracing his role of protector and literally grabbing Kristin’s pant leg with his teeth and pulling her from getting too close to the ocean in Northern California.
I remember taking him to the river and teaching him to jump off the fifteen-foot rocks into the water like we would do.
I remember his attitude change when we first brought Blue home from the hospital. Then I remember him coming around and rolling on the ground, licking Blue’s face. Then I remember bringing home another little boy for him to play with and run away from. And another.
I remember being out on a walk with him and watching him get hit by a car, flung into a yard only to get up and shake it off with no effects except a black tire mark all the way down his back.
I remember loading him up and driving across the country to live in a 700 square foot apartment with (then) four people and a cat. Then I remember moving again. I remember his favorite spot in all six houses he lived in.
I remember the days I was out on the road he’d sleep at the top of the stairs making sure he was the first line of defense for the family. And days I was home, he’d sleep on the floor next to my side of the bed and take the night off.
Yesterday we said goodbye to Luther. Quite literally the World’s best dog. Sure, he occasionally crapped on the floor. Sure he had days when his attitude was lousy. But there was no better, more loyal animal alive. When I got him, I had several dog experts tell me that because of his breed (German Shepherd / Akita) he could be a little mean. They also said that it was one of the most loyal, protective dogs that I could get. And that’s exactly what he was.
Now, I know some of you aren’t dog people and this isn’t that big of a deal, but when you share this many experiences with someone there is no doubt in my mind they are part of the family. And these memories are just a few. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog to have around my wife and kids. He will be missed for sure.
He does sound like the worlds greatest dog.
My dog is about 2 years old, and I am hoping he can be like your dog.
Sorry for the loss though, he sounded great.
I cried a little bit this morning. I’m a dog person….all the way. Luther sounds like my old dog we lost a few years ago. Nothing replaces them, but nothing takes away the memories either. Thinking about you guys…losing that good a friend is hard.
Your Luther, my Bronson. Good dogs are family, and they do leave us missing them so much. I’m really hoping that we can watch Luther and Bronson playing when we get to heaven.
Peace to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, and it truly is a loss! We had to say goodbye to our almost 12-yr old lab about a month ago, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. We still aren’t over it, and I still go to the back door to let her inside…even though she isn’t there. But we were truly blessed to have her for almost 12 years…she gave us lots of love and protection, and she was a blessing to our kids. We will keep your family in our prayers…people who think it’s not big deal would never understand, but it truly heartbreaking to lose the furry members of our families!
Great post son, we will miss Luther too. It always made Mom and I feel special that after being away from him for months he recognized us right off. He was a kind old soul. That is a perfect picture, its speaks to his personality. Love you son..
Okay, you made me cry.
I barely ever comment on blogs and seriously I had to for this one. It made me cry. Dogs are so loyal and faithful to their owners. Sorry for your loss.
I’m so, so sad for your family. That was a beautiful tribute to Luther. We are dog people here. Praying that you guys are comforted in this time.
So sorry for your family. I’ve been through it, too. It never gets any easier (even though I thought it would as I got older and had my own children). Pets definitely do become part of the family. God bless you guys…
I didn’t get half way through your post before I started to cry. I am an animal lover and I know exactly how you are feeling as I have been through this before. Pets become a huge part of a family. Luther was a faithful pup and he had a good life. He got to experience a lot of adventures with you. You brought joy to each others lives. Treasure you memories. I’ll be praying for all of you.
I’m going to hug my pup a little bit tighter tonight just so she knows how much I love her. My sweet dog will be 15 years old in 3 weeks.
My Wife and I are thinking about getting a dog at the moment, but they are really quite expensive, like £600-£1000 ($1000-$1700)