Brooke and Gunner
Gunner was diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumor September 2012, just after his 9th birthday. I was crushed! My first reaction? “How does a dog get cancer?” Gunner was a fighter…my hero, often giving me strength to go on. After a new tumor was found in July 2013, I knew our time was limited. Yet, he found the strength to proudly represent survivors, as the Grand Marshall at the first Puppy Up! Walk in Des Moines, Iowa. I was so proud of him! Unfortunately, two short months after our walk, “Fun Gun” and I said our good-byes as cancer took hold and didn’t let go. We spent his last few hours snuggling and holding each other. I don’t think there was one inch of him I missed as I petted him, giving him kisses. I told him how proud I was of him and how much I loved him. Now, I’m left with the memories we shared. RIP sweet boy.
I found this poem shortly after Gunner’s passing. It speaks volumes to our relationship and how much we meant to each other.
“An Inseparable Pair”
I miss you so much, my four-legged friend
I ask myself each day, if the pain will ever end
Your loss is so hard, for one person to bear
Because we were a team, an inseparable pair.
You were by my side, when I got up each day
Waiting so patiently, to go out to play
You were there each night, when I got home
Waiting to go to the park, where you could roam.
You always knew if I was having a bad day
So you’d snuggle up close, and try to get me to play
If that didn’t work, you’d put your head in my lap
Then make yourself comfortable, and take a nap
One way or another, you would brighten my day
Like only you could, you had a special way
You gave me a lifetime of memories to hold
Through all the years ahead, till I am gray and old.
I promise I’ll see you again one day
When we’ll be together again, to go run and play
Your loss is a cross, I will just have to bear
Because you and I know, we were an inseparable pair.
Gunner: 9-17-03 to 11-5-13
