I don't want to bring you down...

but I have to tell this story. I've written about my dog Bonanza.... female German Shepard. Bonanza was with me from the age of 13 until my mid-20's.

Her favorite game was catching 'dirt rocks'... she could do it for hours... and every time I went outside she was there ready to begin again. When I went away in the Army and returned we immediately renewed the game as if no time had gone by.... although she wasn't quite as spry at that time.

Bonanza grew old, then very old, and she lost her ability to jump for dirt rocks... eventually nearly losing her ability to walk at all. We had to adapt... because even though she had lost her physical ability to jump and catch rocks she didn't lose her passion for it.

So I would place Bonanza in a comfortable position, lying down... gather many dirt rocks... and gently toss them to her... she would catch every one, while lying down. I will never forget the last time we played this game together.... after a few tosses, which she caught, she lowered her head.. and gave me a look that ripped my heart out of my chest.. as if to say, "I'm sorry Jimmy, I can't play anymore".

And that was that.