A Big Rigg, Green Grass & Gunner

On January 8th, 2008, we spent our last day with beloved Gunner, the family dog. He is 11 years old, and JR got him for me as a surprise when we had been married a little over a year. He was our "practice child" before having human children! :) I think he turned out OK...and our human kids really love Gunner, too. Before you reach for a tissue thinking he's somehow taken the Big Rigg to Greener Pastures literally...read on!!!

Gunner is now in Texas, back to his roots! A wonderful friend of ours in the city we moved from, graciously took him in. He and his wife and kids live on a large lot with a pond. Thus, the "green grass" in the title here. So, where does "big rigg" come in, you may ask? After finding a new home for Gunner, another friend of ours from the same city, was making a stop in New Jersey with his rigg. He visited us one evening while his rigg was being unloaded and reloaded for the return trip. Amazingly, our friend accepted a proposal to have Gunner make the cross country road trip in his rigg! Many thanks!!! Gunner made a great road companion and loved having his special place to ride in the cab of the truck. Gunner made it safe and sound to his new home back in the Lone Star State. He now has grass under his feet to roam freely on and a pond to jump in any time he desires. Nothing for him like that here in our apartment or near our place (unless a swim in the East River counts!).

When we told the kids, we were worried about Neeley, especially. She loves Gunner and has had him in her life since she was born. She was amazing when we told her. JR told her where he was going and that he would have lots of room and a pond and some kids to play with. She said...he's going to be so happy! We were all happy that Gunner could have a "retirement farm" to go to in his later years. The city was really hard on him. Neeley cried a little bit later on, when she realized his absence. But, she's been happy to hear how he is doing ever since. Judson asked a couple of days later, "Mommy, where Gunner go?", I reminded him and then he went right back to playing. I am relieved that Gunner can be in his element again and to not be vacuuming Gunner hair up constantly in our small apartment. JR is particularly happy to not walk an aged dog 3 times a day carrying big plastic bags in his pocket for...well, you know...

So, to Aaron and his family, enjoy our beloved Gunner--he's a big lazy teddy bear! And to Todd, we owe you big time...thanks!

Bye Gunner.