Xeres was my first working German Shepherd, he came from Jean-Claude Balu from French working lines. He was the most devoted intense GSD I have ever had and yet he had the soundness temperament of any dog I have ever owned. He wanted nothing more than to be by my side and work along side with me. He had incredible ability to read people of who was good and bad. He was trained in protection, Schutzhund, search and rescue, and advanced obedience work. We spent thousands of hours together with training and hiking and just being togeather. The first time Xeres did an article search, I was so touched as this was something that we did together! The road was sometimes bumpy, in our training and learning to communicating with each other. Xeres was most happy when he was working, or playing. He like nothing better than to get some one to fetch for him. He loved to carry boulders back home from our walks from the woods.
When he was only one year old, and only used to our local lake for two weeks. He saved my youngest daughter from drowning in the lake. After he pulled her to the shore, he looked up at me with the look to say, "OK when are you going to throw the stick for me?" Like what he just did by saving my daughter was a every day feat.
Xeres was absolutely sound with other dogs, except if they threatened his pack. He loved the puppies and would allow them to climb all over them and he looked upon them with love and devotion.
He was my best friend and companion for nine and half years. Sadly he died in Oct 2003, of Bloat. He is greatly missed and loved. He was and is the best dog I have ever had the privilege of having as my friend. But I am lucky, as Electra who is his grand niece has a lot of the same devotion, drive and intensity that was part of Xeres. So he does live on in her and in my heart.
He will forever and always be in our hearts !
I Stood By Your Bed Last Night
I stood beside your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,
quietly in your sleep.
I touched you softly
as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,
I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour coffee,
You were thinking of how much you
were in LOVE with me.
I was with you at the store today,
Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
that I'm not really there.
I walked with you to the house,
as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my hand on you,
I smiled and said "it's me."
You looked so very tired,
and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be
so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty,
"I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then
smiled, I think you knew ...
In the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch
you yawning and say
"goodnight, God bless,
I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you
to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and
we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to
show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out
then come home to be with me.
author unknown
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the rainbow bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the rainbow bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. They frolic and romp all day with one another.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They run and play together, until the day comes when one of them suddenly stops playing and looks off into the distance. The nose twitches. The ears are up. The bright eyes are intent. The eager body quivers. Suddenly this one runs from the group, faster and faster, leaping and flying over the tall green grass.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace, clinging together in joyous reunion. Happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your cherished pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
And with your pet beside you once again, you cross the rainbow bridge together.
author unknown