by G. Emma Ryder

Created on: August 27, 2009

I was there when Lancer was born. His mother Shellie was a full blood shepherd that my dear friend Kathy brought back from Germany. She was so obedient, the most perfectly trained dog I had ever seen. Lancer was the union of Shellie and a stray Labrador. She had four puppies and two died soon after birth. There was only a boy and girl left to pick, Kathy had already chosen the boy for me.

Lancer ran just as his name suggests straight like a spear and streamlined. I had a 5 foot high fence put up that was attached to a six foot high fence that my neighbors had purchased earlier in the year. Lancer was six months old the first time he jumped that fence to go calling on their little girl who was in heat. I received a call around 3 am. There was 8 foot red tips in front of the six foot fence so he actually jumped something closer to nine foot.

We let him have the entire backyard to play and call his own. He had paths running from corner to corner completely around the perimeter and in the middle he had a complete circle with the turns having deep banks. He could go completely around the circle in seconds, I believe I saw his ears drag on the ground as he rounded the corners.

We built a large dog house for him next to a big pine tree. The first year, he dug down below the house to find a quiet and cool place that he would only have his face peeking out when you came into the yard. The next year when spring came the rains weakened the ground around the house and I watched it sink down one level. The second year, he dug down again. The third year, I saw that house sink once again, now only the peak of the roof showed. So we built another house on top of the old house that was buried two floors down. He had his choice of levels to get comfortable.

He seldom barked but he loved to sit at the patio door and wait for supper to be over. He always got the best left overs. I will never forget the cat that loved to walk in front of that door. The cat would swing that tail just so and so to tease Lancer unmercifully. One day, the cat did not notice that the door was open when he walked in front of that door. When Lancer stepped through and with a low bark said hello! The cat had such a worried look on its face as he climbed the length of me and went on straight up the curtains and was perched on the top of the curtain rod. The children and I laughed for days remembering that worried look. Lancer never hurt the cats, he just loved to play with them.

As the years went by Lancer's pace slowed down. It got hard for him to get up and down. The cold winters got to be too much for him to remain outside. I brought him in at night and when I was home during the day. I had to help him to get up and down so he could go out side to relieve himself. I knew it was time. He was in so much pain that he did not want to get up anymore. I was brought up on a farm, you do not let your animals suffer. You take care of the problem yourself. Finally, I loaded the old boy up in the back seat of the car. We went for a ride. I took him to the pound and made arrangements to have him put to sleep. Leaving my dear old friend there, took the heart right out of my chest that day. Riding away, seeing him resting in a cage. Knowing that my friend will be sleeping soon.

To my dear friend Lancer, no greater friend. I was made better for you being by my side. We spent many years together. You helped me raise my children and kept my home safe. You were there when I needed a friend. You laid at my feet and comforted me when I was sad. I loved you as part of my family. You loved me with a love that only a few will ever understand. Sleep with the angels, I will be home soon to watch you run and play.

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