It's an erie sound that sends shivers up my spine. They never used to come so close. Shawna kept them away from the house. Even in groups they were no match for her. She was too big, too bold, and they dared not venture near her yard.

But she was old for a shepherd, almost twelve.
I came home from work late one day and found her in a bad way. A srtoke I think. It didn't seem right to haul her the forty miles to the vet and have her pass on a cold steele table at the hands of a stranger. So I sat with her A while, and then did what I thought at the time was the right thing to do. I buried her in her favorite spot on the edge of the woods.

She was my family and my best friend. I wish more than anything that I could pet her one more time and tell her I am so sorry.

Sometimes I almost forget about what I've done, but they don't let me. They gather by the rocks I piled on her grave and howl like demons untill all the unpleasantness returns. Maybe I deserve it, and I wonder if I will ever sleep again.

Calavano - You loved your dog like I love mine. Mine is 9 and the thought of her dying or being so sick has crossed my mind. I wouldnt want her to go to the vet where she was always so scared anyway. You did what you did out of love, remember that. Your dog is resting now, you should let yourself sleep! M