TRIBUTE TO SMOLTZ – By Anne B (Foster Mom)
Smoltz first welcomed us into his life on Saturday, August 15, 2009. The initial greeting we received from him was filled with typical boxer energy. After several enthusiastic hugs and kisses, he jumped into the car and settled nicely into the back seat with me. He spent most of that 3 hour ride with at least 1 paw on my lap; I spent most of that ride telling him what a good boy he was. Every time he’d hear the words “good boy” he would reward me with the most fervent of kisses. The fact that his tongue didn’t connect with my face never once deterred him!
He was an awesome boy – always good with us and with the 4 legged members of his foster family as well. In the beginning, we were amazed by what seemed like boundless energy for an 8 year old. He would leap into the air like a little gazelle whenever Richard or I would come home, and then follow that greeting with endless boxer wiggles! He loved playing fetch, and was ever so patient with our 3 year old cockapoo who would drop whatever toy she was playing with so that she could take his toy away, and then growl at him as well to make sure he fully understood her diva status. We were initially warned that he might be cat aggressive, but while he was definitely interested in his feline brother, there was never any aggression. Smoltz was a gentle soul who loved everyone he met.
The first indication that there was something wrong came on Sunday, September 20. I was at work when Richard called to tell me that Smoltz had just had a seizure. During the following week, a couple of rounds of fetch were interrupted by near fainting spells, and a recurrent cough led us to the heart issues that finally took him from us. After that, even once he was on the medications that seemed to have things under control, he was never the same. He’d always greet us at the door, but our little gazelle had been replaced by an old man. He spent most of his days snuggled up with either our 10 year old boxer, Brady, or with one of us. If he didn’t think there was enough room for him, he’d stand patiently looking up at us with his chin resting on the edge of the couch until we made a spot for him.
Most nights I’d fall asleep with him curled into my legs. Last night, after he frightened us with another coughing spell, I brought him up closer so that I could wrap my arms around him, and that’s where he was when I felt that brave little heart of his stop beating. It’s hard to believe that we only knew him for less than 3 months, because he’s left us with a lifetime of loving memories.
We miss him deeply, but are comforted by the belief that he’s already having a wonderful time at the bridge. We’re quite sure that he’s already running and playing with the other members of his foster family who preceded him there, and know that when it’s our turn to cross that bridge, there will be a beautiful, white boxer leaping in the air to greet us with the best air kisses anyone has ever known! |
