I have always had Labs and also volunteered for a Lab rescue
group. I was asked to evaluate Timo because his former owners could not handle
his high energy. He was very destructive and had ripped apart their kitchen
cabinets and tile floor not once, but twice, and when I met him he was confined
to an enclosed carport to prevent further destruction. He was totally out of
control when I met him, jumping and nipping at me like a very large land shark.
I took him, not knowing that he would end up being mine. Shortly after I took
him home to foster and live with my three other Labs, our rescue coordinator
was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away six weeks later. There was a mad
rush to place the 14 dogs she was fostering and by default Timo became mine. He
was a handful from the start and could not be trusted in the house without
being tethered to my side. I really did not want a fourth dog, and not one
requiring so much work! Yes, he tried my patience more often then I’d like to
admit, but at those times especially, I’d look into his eyes and see the
intelligence and the love hiding just beneath the surface and I knew I had to
help this big bad boy achieve his potential.
He eventually settled down and we trained in earnest. He
earned his therapy dog certification and became the dog I knew he always was.
Over the years he has become my best friend. We would take long walks in the
woods and trips to the beach. We loved to explore street fairs, me always
looking for new finds, Timo looking to make new friends. He has helped me through
some of the hardest times of my life. Truthfully I don’t know how I would have
survived those times without him at my side. I have had many, many dogs
throughout my life, each of them very dear and special in their own unique way.
I have loved them all. Timo, however, holds a special place in my heart. He is
that once in a lifetime dog, my spirit dog, the dog with which I have the deepest connection. My boy is
getting up there in years. He loves to fetch a tennis ball and he loves a good
swim. Arthritis has slowed him down and he will limp for days after even some
mild activity. His naps are more frequent and the sleep is deep. We don’t take
the long walks we use to do. I have to help him into the car and up on to the
bed. My boy is slowing down but his spirit is still strong. I know our time together
will soon end; if lucky, we may have another year or two before that final
goodbye. I will do my best to make whatever time left as joyful and as
comfortable as I can for my dear sweet Timo; the dog with a heart of gold that
shines as brightly as his fox red coat.
