Magi's Medicine Man - "Doc"

(b.)July 23, 1987 - (d.)December 20, 1999

Doc is the grandson of my grand old dog, Zeke (Oct. 25, 1977-Oct.21, 1990). Doc came to me in the fall of 1987, during a difficult period in my life. Perhaps because of that, he is one of the sweetest, most sensitive dogs I've ever known. He worries about everything, most of all me. He lives for his ball, and I think he would play until he dropped of exhaustion. Once, when I took him to walk in a pumpkin field in autumn, he believed he had found the golden field where all balls are grown. Though he is a beautiful dog whom I should have finished, his career in the show ring was short: he was too worried, and since there were no balls in the ring, he found the activity completely irrelevant. This is Doc.

On December 20, 1999 at approximately 1:00 p.m., while resting comfortably in my arms, my friend and loyal companion, Doc, died. His last few days had prepared us that the time would be soon, but as always, the time came more quickly than we had hoped.
When I left for work that morning, I was uncomfortable about leaving Doc. My husband, Bas, had to be at work, and I had some important things to get done, too. But I really wasn't comfortable about leaving Doc alone, so I called my ex-husband, Dave, who lives nearby, and had some time off. Dave called me at work shortly after arriving at the house, and told me to come home. I asked him to call our vet, explain the situation, and see if he could come to the house, instead of trying to get Doc to the office, and said that I was on my way. Our vet, Harry, agreed to interrupt his busy schedule and come to the house in the middle of his appointments to help Doc cross the bridge.

Doc lay covered up on the floor, first with Dave, and then with his head in my lap. Out of consideration for Doc, Dave had kept all of the other dogs out of the room, but when I arrived, I brought Beckett, our Greyhound, in with us. I know my 'hound. He sniffed Doc's ears, gently licked his face, and then lay down against his belly, with his head thrown over Doc's loin. I must admit, I was doing pretty well until that moment, but in his inimitable wisdom, Beckett knew that both Doc and I needed this. It was when he did this that Doc lifted his head to kiss me, and then turned and kissed Beckett's front foot, which was all he could reach. After that, he rested quietly until the vet arrived.

Doc went quickly and peacefully. Doc was many things that a German Shepherd should be. He was intelligent, beautiful and strong. But above these things, he was the kindest soul I've ever known. He was a blessing in my life, and above all, I think it is his gentle kindness that I will miss.

Doc and I knew we were on this road. Every moment of sharing his life was a privilege for me. I am thankful that at the end I was allowed the honor of sharing in the profoundly intimate trust of the moment of death.

Magi's Medicine Man ("Doc") July 23, 1987 - Dec. 20, 1999. May Heaven be full of flower-balls, old man.