Star

Star’s story begins a full year plus before she arrived in our home. 

I had to put our ten year old Shih Tzu down in late November, 2007. I found that ordeal to be
far more traumatic than I thought and, despite my children’s repeated requests (‘Dad, can we
get a new dog?’) over the bulk of 2008, it took me a full year before I was ready for a new pet.

In early December of 2008 I went to the Janesville Humane Society without the kids, curious
to see if Iwas emotionally ready for another dog. I saw several cute canines (none of them
Star), and left knowing the next time I walked in the doors, the kids would be with me and our
search would officially begin.

A week or so later Tyler, Eric, Ryan, and I agreed to adopt an adorable four month old female
pointer who went by the name of Star. Her cuteness, combined with a 15 minute romp in the
play area, resulted in all four of us quickly falling in love with our newest family member.

Energetic. Intelligent. Mischievous. Loving. Joyful. Food obsessed. These are some of the
words that come to mind when thinking of Star’s early years. She was basked in love,
residing in a houseful of kids who matched her high energy lifestyle. Star’s favorite game
became theirs: Keep away in the backyard. Throw Star a ball and the fruitless chase would
begin. The humans wouldn’t get that toy back until the quick and savvy canine was ready to
let them have it. Countless hours of joy were had in that quarter acre of fenced in yard, and
I’m smiling as I remember those incomparable moments in time.

The years went by. The kids got older. Overnights away with friends. Driver’s licenses.
Tyler moved into his own place. Eric went off to college. Before I knew it, it was down to
just myself and man’s best friend.

I really didn’t feel lonely. Looking back, perhaps she was a big reason why.

Arthritis started to creep into her life around the age of 8. For years she had slept on
my bed. Then one day, she was no longer jumping up there, no matter how much I coaxed.
Her walks had to be cut to 10-15 minutes max. Rabbit chasing days came to an end. Time
in the backyard went from multiple high-speed laps to slow, sniff-filled walks. Mobility was
becoming more and more of an issue those last few years. Lumps about her body added to
her health woes.

The end was awful, yet as perfect a script as one could write under the circumstances. A
last morning walk around the neighborhood. Treats and affection given by myself and the
now adult children that were her family. A caring, soothing home visit by the vet, alleviating
her from the anxiety she always felt during car rides and trips to the vet office. Cheese Whiz
sprayed in zigzag patterns on waxed paper for her to enjoy in those last moments.

How can one really summarize the life of such a cherished pet? 11+ years of companionship.
Playfulness. Unconditional love. 

She adored her family. We adored her right back.