Nemo (1997 - 2010)

On April 17th, 2010 a few close friends and I spent our last moments with Nemo in the shade of some trees at our favorite dog park saying goodbye. Nemo"s age had caught up with his quality of life and he was suffering from a number of conditions that had defied treatment.

The vet who was there to help my beloved dog into the next life assured me I was doing the right thing. As I looked into Nemo"s eyes before he closed them for the last time I prayed that was true. Since then I"ve come to know that my decision to end his suffering, however hard, was the right one.

Nemo was a bright eyed, intelligent and fun-loving long-haired German Shepherd Dog who had a way of making friends with almost everyone he met. Whether it was at dog parks like Point Isabel, during volunteer animal therapy visits to rest homes and hospitals, trips to the pet food store or the occassional meeting on the street during a trip while we ran errands he loved meeting people.

I"ve had some wonderful dogs in my life but none as exceptional in so many ways as Nemo. With tears in my eyes but love and memories forever in my heart.

P.S. To my buddy Nemo: thanks for 13 years of unconditional love and companionship. I know you"ll be patiently waiting for me when my time comes long from now.

P.P.S. Thanks to my brother Steven for being there when I lost Nemo and for putting together the Flikr video you can view above by clicking on Nemo"s picture. Thanks also to my dear friends Elizabeth, Paige, Buzz, Harry and Dave for loving Nemo and your support in the end.