Goodbye to a good boy

On Sunday we went outside to practice in Lucy's new walker we are borrowing for the week. It was a beautiful fall day. Elmer has been pretty good at staying with us throughout the summer when we have left him off if his leash, so we thought he might enjoy some freedom while we were all outside. Elmer was excited and wound up and having fun, but then two motorcycles went past and Elmer took off after them and the second one hit him. Chad and I saw it happen; Lucy's back was to the road. Elmer died within moments after the accident.

The motorcyclists did not stop, but I'm sure maybe they were mad that someone had let their dog run out into the road and nearly make them wreck. I was so relieved that they didn't wreck, but so very heartbroken to have lost Elmer. And so enraged with myself for letting him off of his leash. This is why I want to shelter everyone from everything all of the time. But, I let him loose because living things need independence and freedom.

And now, three days later, it is so sad to go through the day constantly forgetting for a second that he is gone and expecting to hear him come running, or think its time to take him out or feed him. He was a stinker, but such a sweetie too, and just a puppy. I assumed that he would be with us for a long, long time and he would be Lu's best pal, and he was so very sweet with her. He knew very early on that he was not to mess with her, and the rule was that she could basically do whatever she wanted to him because that was what she could do at that moment, and he had to take it. She always meant well, and he seemed to know that.

I miss how he would come sit down beside me on the floor in the morning while I gave Lu her juice, or how he would lay beside me while I bathed Lucy and then would nap in front of the shower while I showered. He was just such a good boy and he is very sadly missed here at the Shaffer house.