A Tribute to Stoney

Stoney, my friend, was put to sleep October 18, 2006. This was the most painful thing I have ever done, other than watching him in pain at the end of his life.

He came into our lives on May 2, 2001 through Homeward Bound, a Golden Retriever rescue agency. I spotted him on their website, and instantly knew we were meant to be together. I had survived a massive stroke and had brain surgery that February and was in outpatient therapy. I don't know how I convinced my wife to drive me to Sacramento. As they say, the rest is history.

As I understand it, he was a stray that had been turned into the pound and given the name Stoney, I think it was because they had too many Rockey's. Stoney was a mix Golden Retriever and Kuvasz and whatever else.  He was 24 hours of being euthanized. He was considered "unadoptable" because he was too timid in the cage. That's when Homeward Bound stepped in and rescued him. Thank you, I'm forever grateful.

I was only able to walk short distances at first, having the right side of my body paralyzed. Stoney became my physical therapist, speech therapist (boy, did we do a lot of talking), occupational therapist and recreational therapist. Stoney and I spent 24 hours a day, seven days a week together for 5 1/2 wonderful years. He was always at my side; if I got up, he got up. Together we could take on the world. On walks he never had a leash unless we went into a store, gym or restaurant, which we did on a regular basis. He gave me the courage to enter into the mainstream world again. I owe a lot to this loveable animal, in fact every time I go outside; it's due in some part to Stoney's coaching and nurturing.

I'm convinced he saved my life. When we were on a walk I tripped and fell down in a stream that was deep enough to cover my head. Stoney waded through the rushing water to get to me, and with my good arm I was able to lift myself using Stoney as support. There was not another way out of the situation.

He loved:

Evening treats, even the last night of his life.

His tennis balls.

Playing "round up the wagons".

I learned:

The proper way to sit in a Jaguar.

How to walk a mile with pride.

How to be Gary again.

I will miss:

His soft snoring.

His way of snuggling up to me to tell that he was ready for a walk.

His smiles and his wise eyes.

I will always miss Stoney...