Little did I know 18 years ago that when one marries into the Japenga family, one MUST be prepared to live INTIMATELY with a dog. I grew up with a dog living on a farm under the strictest notion that DOGS belonged OUTSIDE! Milo on the other hand grew up with a dog sleeping on the pillow next to him in BED. Needless to say through the first 13 years of marriage we were unable to find any sort of middle ground on the subject. We did have our fair share of trials in the form of a dog called Molly and another CRAZY one called Abbey. When both of those dogs were gone, I FIRMLY stated that NEVER AGAIN could or would I do this DOG thing. Then of course came along 2 persistent little girls and Riley not far behind.
The Japengas without a doubt believe that the GREATEST dog made for man kind is an English Springer Spaniel. In my lifetime with this family I have know Freckles, heard stories of Jane, still have Josie come for visits, of course there is Riley and today we heard the sad news that Ms. Annie was laid to rest, Grandpa Gary and MoMo's baby of 14 years.
Ms. Annie came into this world in 1995. We only saw snap shots from Idaho of her first few years of her life, until we visited in 1998. She was kind and gentle with Kennedy and very well-mannered. She loved hunting and fishing with Grandpa Gary and most recently wa
s able to spend sun up to sun down with him, as he retired from teaching. Annie was a loyal and faithful companion and always traveled in tow. One 'fond' memory would be Annie's, FIRST visit to Cedar Rapids to meet Riley. Well on in years and apparently well trained, she proceeded to walk into my home, greet Riley with a growl, run down to the guest bedroom, and PEE right smack dab in the middle of my dry clean ONLY comforter, all within minutes of her arrival! I guess that was her way of saying, 'Merry Christmas'. Future visits proved better bladder control and some ridiculous habits of teaching Riley to howl whenever we returned from being gone for a few hours. She desperately missed her master when they were apart and eagerly awaited his return.
s able to spend sun up to sun down with him, as he retired from teaching. Annie was a loyal and faithful companion and always traveled in tow. One 'fond' memory would be Annie's, FIRST visit to Cedar Rapids to meet Riley. Well on in years and apparently well trained, she proceeded to walk into my home, greet Riley with a growl, run down to the guest bedroom, and PEE right smack dab in the middle of my dry clean ONLY comforter, all within minutes of her arrival! I guess that was her way of saying, 'Merry Christmas'. Future visits proved better bladder control and some ridiculous habits of teaching Riley to howl whenever we returned from being gone for a few hours. She desperately missed her master when they were apart and eagerly awaited his return.Ms. Annie peacefully slept away this afternoon, Wednesday, January 21st, 2009, without a doubt knowing she served her master well.
We have 'A Dog's Prayer' that we keep in our home that I would like to share with you today in honor of her. I think it sums up the TRUE feelings a dog has for her master.
To My Beloved Master,
For no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than this loving heart of mine.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for I should lick your hand between the blows.
Your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ears.
When it is cold and wet, please do take me inside, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements, and I ask no greater glory that the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Though you had no home, I would prefer to follow you through ice and snow, rather than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in the land.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I can not tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well to romp, play, and do your bidding to walk by your side. To stand ready, willing, and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And master, when I am very old, if the Great Master sees fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather, take my trusting life gently and I shall leave you, knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was always safest in your hands.
Your Faithful Companion and Servant
As her master sits in sadness tonight grieving the loss of his faithful companion, may he know she rests peacefully having completed her tasks hear on earth. And that one more person in this world now sleeps with a DOG on the pillow next to her and she would NEVER want it any other way! Hugs to Grandpa Gary and Mo-Mo from Cedar Rapids!
P.S. Ms. Annie can rest EXTRA peacefully knowing that I forgive her for the 'bed wetting' episode.
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