If it should be I grow frail and weak,
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
When this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Selfishness might stay your hand.
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.
We've had so many happy years,
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer. So,
When the time comes, let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only - stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time, you too will see,
It is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Do not grieve. It should be you,
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years...
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
- Anonymous
I was first introduced to Border Collies when I lived in Calgary. I had just started a new job at an Emergency Vet Clinic and one the ladies that I worked with, Jill, had two...Emma and Eli...both were traditional black and white and absolutely gorgeous.
"Emma (front) and Eli"
After getting to know them a little better, I soon realized that this was the breed for me. I decided to talk it over with my boyfriend (now husband), Mark, and we both agreed that we would start looking for our first BC puppy.
About a week went by and one night we had a little tri-color BC pup come into the clinic (just for a routine check-up)...he was the cutest thing I had ever seen. It was at that time I thought I would like a tri-color instead of a black and white one.
Shortly after that I saw an ad in the local newspaper...'Border Collie Puppies for sale'...I immediately called! The breeder, Susan, told me she had only one puppy left...a black and white male...and even though I had pretty much decided that I wanted a tri-color, we thought we would go have a look anyway.
THEY WERE ALL SO ADORABLE! Susan showed us the little guy that was left and let us get acquainted. The litter consisted of three black and white's and three sable and white's and they were only three weeks old. They were all so full of energy running around, play fighting, and tumbling over each other...I was in my glory!
"They are ALL so adorable...3 weeks old"
While playing with the puppies I kept thinking how lovely and cute the black and white guy was but I really liked the brown guys...they attracted more...so Mark and I decided to go talk to Susan. As soon as we entered the house we were greeted by a beautiful black and white BC, "this is Ninja, the mom", Susan told us...well, we had to laugh, because you see Mark had been studying Ninjutsu, a Japanese martial arts, for a few years now. IT WAS DESTINY...this was going to be the mother of our first BC.
We went on to tell Susan that we had decided not to take the black and white puppy, however, we did want to leave her our name and number so she could call us the next time Ninja had a litter...that we really wanted one of the brown pups. After a lengthy 'get-to-know-you' conversation, Susan said, 'Give me a second', and left to make a phone call. When she was done, she took us back out to the puppies and said, 'If you would like this little guy instead, he is available'; in front of us was the cutest little brown furball with tiger strips on his face...HE WAS ADORABLE!
"Our introduction"
The phone call Susan had made was to the owner's of the stud...the father of the puppies...they were taking a pup from the litter as part of their agreement, and had chosen this little brown guy, however, Susan thought just maybe they would consider the black and white one instead and let us take the brown one...and sure enough they did. YEAH! So we made payment arrangements with Susan, played with our new BC for a little while longer and then said our good-bye's. Now we had to think of a name...what should we call our adorable brown BC?
The next day, Mark and I were window shopping and all of a sudden the name 'Elmo' popped into my head. I always loved the Sesame Street character and thought he was very cute...a red furball full of energy...and since the 'brown' coloring in animals is often times considered 'red' the name 'Elmo' seem appropriate. We called Susan as soon as we got home...she loved it. Our puppy had a name...ELMO.
After a few weeks of visiting with Elmo...taking pictures and getting more acquainted with Susan and her family, Ninja, and our little man, it was time to bring him home.
We were originally going to bring Elmo home on June 4th...the weekend...but Susan called me at work on June 1st...Wednesday...and said, "Elmo is the only one left"...all the other puppies had gone to their new homes. Poor little guy, we couldn't leave him there by himself...so I called Mark and made arrangements for him to pick up our little man after he was done work. I worked until midnight, so I said, "Before you go home, bring him here...Elmo was so excited to see me. I introduced him to Jill and the other staff and they all loved him...then Mark took him home.
Elmo's first night home was kind of crazy...probably more so for Mark though...Mark had to work early the next day, but Elmo wouldn't go to sleep for him. I walk in at about 12:30...Mark looked beat. After playing on the floor with Elmo for about 10 minutes or so, I took him out for a potty break, and then put him in his kennel...out like a light! Mark just rolled his eyes, laughed, and went to bed himself...HE JUST WANTED HIS MOM!
Elmo has grown into a very handsome dog over the years. He is still very much a ball of energy, always looking for someone to throw a ball, or his kong, or just anything. He is an absolute joy to have as a companion...he always knows how to make you laugh.
The last couple of months have been very difficult for Elmo with pain in his hips, some major dental issues, and with some of his lumps turning cancerous. So the day I have dreaded has come, Elmo was laid to rest on June 26th at 5 pm, with me by his side to the end. He will be sadly missed but I am comforted knowing that he will no longer be in pain. I am sure, by now, he has met up with Echo and Zen again and they are happily playing a game of chase in a beautiful field.
"The 'E' man"
Elmo celebrated his 7th Birthday on April 23, 2001 Click Here...to Fetch Elmo's Birthday Cards and Wishes
What's in your pet's name?
ELMO...Your pet is bright, extremely vocal, and very active. This animal loves to communicate, and doesn't want to grow up. This is a tolerant and affectionate animal who cares about his/her appearance and prefers beautiful surroundings. Your pet is exceptionally loyal and affectionate. You won't have to worry about this pet straying far from home. Your pet has a highly developed sixth sense, especially when it comes to home and family. This animal is very tenacious and intensely loyal.
