Skamper's Tribute

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My Sweet Doggy Dog, Skamper

I hadn't written this tribute before because it's for some one who would never need to learn to read. But I write it now, mostly for my own catharsis and because the world should know how wonderful she was and what she's meant to me.

Skamper was my 11 year old Chow Doggy. I say Chow Doggy because she was 1/2 Chow Chow and 1/2 under the fence Doggy. She was born in March of 1997. She died today, January 9th 2008

Skamper deserves more then just an honorable mention or a moment of silence after all she's done for me and has meant to my family and myself.

In 2003 Skamper's loyalty kept her alive, literally. I was forced to move from our house to an apartment where I couldn't have pets. Though she was loved no one would take her and we were days from having to take her to the pound. I had a meeting one-day so my dad drove their Jeep to pick up the kids. My plan was that I would pick up the kids later while Skamper waited at the house. She had seen me sobbing and more then once placed her big furry head on my knee as if she was trying to help me find a solution. She knew something bad was up. That day, my dad helped me load the kids into his vehicle. Then he got into the drivers seat and started it up, we said good-bye. As always I called Skamper, to come to the house with me. She lay there, behind the tire of the Jeep, preventing my dad from leaving. Skamp would not budge, not about to move. I tried to lead her out by her collar, which always worked... not this time. I tried bribery, coaxing, nothing was going to move her from that tire. Those kids were not leaving without her. Not knowing what to do, I stepped back to think on it. My dad got out of the vehicle, went back to the rear hatch and open it. Before I realized the tailgate was even open, Skamper was smiling at me through the window, such a wide grin, so proud, so happy. As my dad walked back to the driver's door he looked at me, shrugged and shook his head, then they all left. Skamper’s love for her kids, unwilling to let them leave without her showed us all so much of her character.

Later, after my meeting, mom and dad told me they would keep her until I could take her back that she'd always be my dog. They couldn't let go of a dog with such strong affection and loyalty to her family. I'll never be able to thank them or repay them enough but it meant the world to Skamper, the kids and I. Skamper lived with my parents for around 9 months, waiting at the gate of their property for me to come back. She stayed with me over night a few times. We got almost 5 extra years with her. Skamper got to grow old with her family living a happy life and she is truly, deeply missed by us all.

Katie grew up with Skamper. When I told her that Skamp was gone, she of course cried. Then she asked me where we buried her. I told Katie that Skamper was beside Budd at mommo and pop's house, that way she could always be with Budd. My sweet little girl earned the nickname I gave her "Rainbow child" once again. She said, "It doesn't matter where she's buried, she's with Budd anywhere." We're going to plant flowers on the graves in the spring, like mom and I did for Budd years ago. I’m making a plaque for Skamper's grave and I'll take Katie to visit the site in the next couple of weeks.

There are 11 years of memories with and of Skamper. I feel like I have to write each one down to keep from forgetting her. I want to hold onto them and her forever. I know that's illogical but I feel that if my memories of her die, I'd be losing her all over again. I shared the one story with you because it best shows her spirit. Skamper was smart, sweet, sassy, loyal, loving, and generous.

Grief is a strange thing. We get a pet knowing we'll most likely out live them, yet we make preparations for them if we don't. We tell our selves, "When the time comes I can deal with it, I'll be ok." Yet we know we're lying to ourselves. "Ok" isn't when the beloved pet dies, "Ok" will come some time later. Some people even tell themselves that God put Dogs and cats here for our amusement, maybe they do that to keep from getting attached. Who are they fooling? There is a reason DOG spelled backwards is GOD. And a reason CATS spelled backwards is STAC (K)... Sorry... too serious had to make a little joke. Pets are not amusement, though they are amusing. They are our companions. Who else will fully listen without putting their 2 cents in, never offer an opinion unless it's to sass you. They will bend themselves in half out of excitement after you've left them all alone in the house for hours (or what seems like all day to a dog) No one can beat an excited dog to the door to greet their person and I've never met a better listener then a dog, especially when there is food involved.

When I first discussed Skamper’s pending death with Rob, I asked him, "After she's gone, who'll keep me from being alone?" The question of course pertains to, when you're alone and enjoy it, but need the quiet, understanding unwanting companionship. There is really no right answer for that question. Skamper just "got" me, she understood. She had gone through Hell with me, prancing along beside me every step of the way as if she knew what she was doing. She made me laugh, shared some tears and though I teased her about being a trader for how much she loved Rob, her life taught me so much. Now I "get" her. Sometimes Loyalty is it's own reward.

Thank You again, my sweet Doggy Dog.

A Pet's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

   

Do not break my spirit with a stick for though 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 footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

   

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

   

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

   

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest and I will leave you knowing the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Written by Beth Norman Harris

Taken around 5 years ago, my parents recently found this photo of Skamper and gave it to me. They said she would sit like this for hours waiting for me to come see her.

This is my most recent 'good' photo of Skamper. Though she's in the back ground, she's just beautiful. The picture is actually (of) BJ and Abby playing at Tristan's 6th Birthday party. Which I plan on posting photos of hopefully soon.

Always looking for love. This was Skampers last trip camping. Always good for a hug or pets. She spent a lot of time running in the creek. I never would have though less then a year later she'd be running down the creek with Budd. Or standing on the other side in my dreams telling me, "It's ok mom, go ahead and live. I'll see you when you get here."

Forever in our hearts sweety.