Go, German! Run. Bye.

Out of a dead sleep, she jolted.

Rigid.

Ears like two kites on either side of her head.

Eyes intense as she stared at the TV screen.

It meant something to her.

She puzzled. What?

Once the bugle ended “Reveille” during a new story tribute for a wounded soldier, she glanced around as if confused.

We didn’t know what it meant, but it was something to her.

She wandered to the front door. Lingering at the window.

She must know it’s time.

(We’ve tried to keep RC Cat from smugly pointing at the calendar. But controlling RC? We are sure HRH has been sneaking up to the slumbering dog whispering “Ha! It’s getting close.”)

The German will never be crammed into a crate for a plane.

We’ve been promised that.

It’s not just the heat.

I have visions of the German dashing around airport runways terrified of it all.

She’ll arrive with our escort in style:

Muzzle in the AC vent.

Window view (smudges and nose prints all her own).

Large flat area to sprawl across.

With nose poking out the sunroof when appropriate.

This was always temporary. Never intended to be forever.

It’s all arranged.

The threat to her neutralized.

Home ready in a new spot. No bad memories to haunt her.

This was refuge.

A sanctuary to soothe and calm.

A safe place.

She was able to regroup and rest.

Silly among the doves and flower beds.

We knew her heart was elsewhere – with her Forever Person.

Placing her here was a difficult decision for Forever Person.

Sometimes you have to do what is best no mater how hard.

It’s obvious though.

We were quickly abandoned whenever the car pulled in the drive. Forgotten like old wet newspaper.

They’ve missed each other.

They belong together.

That’s really what happened to the bunny-now-minus-an-ear.

A bit of grieving after a visit and departure.

Briefly held by her Person, the bunny held that familiar scent.

Like the pillow on that bed.

We’d find her curled against it on the bed. Sad eyes closed.

Maybe pretending her Person was just down the hall.

Returning soon.

The German tried lobbying for her Person to make the visits permanent.

She eagerly showed all her toys neatly stacked by her bed.

Played tour guide to show all the backyard fun.

Demonstrated how runner friendly the local trails are.

And stand here – there’s always a breeze in this spot.

All stay here? No?

Sigh of resignation as the car left again.

Leaving her behind, again.

But not for long.

Car rides a treat now.

She’ll make room for the new clean Jolly ball, and her bag of toys.

The delivery trip quite a drive, but she’ll see the non-fattening reward at the end.

You always like to see them leave with eyes bright, ears perked, and tail high.

Joyfully running forward.

Run, German, run!

(But you know, the sunny room is always there for you.)

Hanging up the leash for now,

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Read the entire German Saga by clicking “German Shepherd” in the sidebar.

(and yes, she jogged and daintily ate and is once again trim and slim….pretty much…)

NOTE: Postings be off schedule for a bit as we do stuff.

From the German Shepherd Community Facebook: (Jaclyn Dyrholm Photography)

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