Note: We met Steve when his family decided to look for another Weimaraner puppy. Mable had been diagnoised with cancer before her 5th birthday. Here is a story about the impact that Mable had on Steve and his family. I am sure many of you can relate to Mable and her family’s story–
I cannot remember Mable without fond thoughts. Those thoughts still tug at my heart and soul. Mable would always think she was going with me no matter where I was headed. Before we moved to Evanston, Wyoming I worked four 10 hour days each week. I still remember how at 4 am every Monday morning I would nearly trip over our Blue Weimer standing in the dark by the door.. I love how invisible they are in the dark.. its almost spooky.
Once we found a house in Evanston and made and offer it was all going to be a smooth transition.. then Mable got sick. We were in the process of moving and life absolutely stopped and stood still so we could take care of our special pooch. She saw 3 vets over the next week and was poked and prodded and tested.. but nobody could say what was wrong with her for sure… I took some time off of work so I wouldn’t have to be gone until we fixed my Mable. We finally ended up at the cottonwood animal hospital in salt lake city… We had to leave her there for testing. So Shea and I went home to work on packing and cleaning until we go the call from them. I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed.
When Cottonwood called it was like a bad dream. I remember the doctor telling me what was wrong with her and telling me my options even though there really was only one option. He gave us good counsel though.. He is the person that got me thinking about what was best for Mable.. and not what was best for me…
Shea could tell what was happening because I couldn’t tell her.. I couldn’t speak.. I did my best to finish my conversation with the doctor and get off the phone.. Then I had to try to pull myself together for my kids. they were in the backyard playing. We called them in and of course they could tell something was really wrong.. I had been telling them that Mable was young and tough and she would be just fine.. that she would be home in a couple of days… but now I had to tell them that Mable wasn’t going to be able to come home… Madyson, my middle child fell to her knee and said “NO!” I remember feeling very torn at this moment.. I wanted to be there for my kids.. but I neeeeeeded to get to my dog.
So we sat together for a little while and talked about how lucky we were that she was our dog at all.. that even though she couldn’t stay long we loved her so so much… as you can imagine.. it was a complete tear factory… In my whole life I don’t think I have ever cried as much as I did over those few days… I still miss her so much.
My mom said it was because Mable wasn’t supposed to move to Evanston. I’m not sure how comforting that was to me at the time.. But I can’t think about moving to a new place without reliving these memories. Its sad.
Now as we plan to relocate for what hope is our last family move, I am thinking again about Mable and how she impacted my life. I am missing her more than ever. I want a puppy now. I know we cannot replace Mable, but I want another Weimaraner. Another chance at another relationship. Mable changed us forever. We will never forget her!
Steve
