Lucky's mama was a rescue right before giving birth to 10 puppies. She was so happy to be in a loving home, she was not the greatest of moms. When we went to meet the puppies, Ulya was quickly in the midst of them. By the time I reached them, there she was with this little white puppy seated in her lap. Lucky had jumped into her lap as soon as she sat down on the floor. We had a dog and Lucky had new humans.
As a puppy, Lucky was quite the handful. Growing to 50 pounds in what seemed like overnight, controlling him was rather difficult. Many times, I questioned my decision to adopt a puppy. He would eat anything in sight. Paper, plastic, worms, tree leaves. You name it. If it wasn't attached to something it was food. All this being said, he didn't destroy anything. He just was full of energy and I was in a rough place in my life caring for my parents.
We survived though and this young man grew into quite the gentleman. He stopped eating plastic and turned his preference to dog treats and braunschweiger. I only heard him growl two times in his 14 years. Once when a woman came to our house to use the phone. He stood back and was not happy with her presence. Did he know something I didn't recognize? Another time when my cousin and her husband were visiting with their small children, the little boy was being reprimanded for misbehaving. Lucky assessed the situation and immediately looked dad in the eye and growled as a warning. "Do not hurt this little one or I may have to hurt you." He was protective and a force to be reckoned with if necessary.
I could go on and on about Lucky Joe but I'm sure you've had your own Lucky Joes over the years. His last year was not a good one for any of us. We tried all we could: medicines, Reiki, essential oils, holistic and herbal preparations including cannabis, and prayer. Lots of prayer. In the praying, Ulya and I came to the awareness that it was time. Time to let this important part of our existence go. And what a send off he had.
Lucky played ball Tuesday morning as much as his body allowed. He had hamburger for breakfast, braunschweiger for a snack, two hamburgers from Hardees for lunch, and hugs and more hugs. We held him as he made his departure and showered him with kisses and more hugs.
His spirit has visited me a couple of times. I've "felt" him by my side. Looking up at me, he tells me how good it feels to be pain free and to be truly present once again. His love remains and always will.
My heart cries as I come home to a house that has no dog to greet me. It has been 30 years since I've been without a dog. Lucky Joe cannot be replaced. He was one special dog. However, there are many dogs needing love and a home. Ulya and I need a dog. Soon Lucky will be the guardian angel for another lost dog. I know Lucky will wag his tail in exuberant joy when another fur baby joins the Eckert family. Lucky Joe is just that kind of dog.
Rest in Peace
Lucky Joseph Eckert
July 26, 2001 - December 8, 2015
My God-daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, sent me this after Lucky's departure. I'd like to share it with you. You may want your tissues nearby.
Peace and Blessings,
Mareda
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