Memorial to Sparky

Our beloved Sparky passed away on June 1, 2009, his tired body ravaged by an incurable cancer in his blood vessels.  Our hearts are broken still, but remain full of cherished memories.

The six-month-old Shepherd mix came into our lives in March 1998.  Gerald spotted him at a local animal shelter while searching for a companion for our “little girl,” Peaches, who had lost her companion six months earlier.  The young pup with “ears up here” was perfect.  Gerald quickly paid the fees and home they went.

When I arrived home from work that night, Sparky was already well acquainted with our house, its animal occupants and the thick lawn he would soon destroy.  I remember coming in the door and seeing his beautiful face and wagging tail.  I thought, “Oh, what a handsome guy you are.”  In the days to come he would eat a phone, the TV remote, a new brassiere with the tags still on and Gerald’s Mark Maguire All-Star hat, and then proceed to steal our hearts.

Sparky attended a basic obedience class in Morro Bay a few days later, and finished as “Most Improved.”  He became my “training coach” for the Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walks.  Oh, how he loved to walk with me – on both good days and bad!  He would lie on the floor with his front legs crossed – always right over left – simply waiting for the next walk.  Walking was his thing!

In his younger days, Sparky loved to play ball.  He would jump wildly to snatch our tosses.  In the middle of the night, he would whisper in Gerald’s ear to let him out, the soft whisper ensuring that the rest of household would not be awakened.  He was so playful and yet so considerate.

Peaches aged quickly and we laid the little girl to rest on February 7, 2005.  Then, Spark really took over our hearts.  He missed his little girl and needed to be with me at all times.  Sparky was the envy of all at the beach – no yelling, just a whistle and an arm wave and he would be right by my side.  He was such a happy boy!

We are blessed that he spent 11 years with us.  He will be missed every day of our lives.  We will always remember, “Ears up here!”