Brandy in her early days with her good friend Benson
She was my best friend, my keeper of secrets. At night she would jump on the bed and lay next to me and we would fall asleep. Any number of cats or kittens would play with her tail or climb on her belly and she wouldn’t care. She would look slightly amused and then wash the cat down thoroughly with her tongue. At times, she would nibble a cat’s neck or back but they were only love nibbles. She never broke skin. This beautiful German Shepherd who we named Brandy was one-in-a-million.
She was our service dog and at 123 pounds just the appearance of her in a crowded hospital lobby would make people gasp. They always thought she was a male. But she was a registered German-bred not American Bred German Shepherd dog- so her prey drive was non-existent. The only thing she ever attacked anyone with was her tongue.
When my husband Mike was going through his cancer treatments, she would accompany us to the hospital. Once the waiting room started of fill up she would somehow (without being asked) find her way underneath the seats so that she wouldn’t get in the way of all the people. One time, there was an elderly woman asleep next to me. She had been asleep when we came in (she was waiting for her husband) so Brandy just settled by my feet, the waiting room filled up and again without being asked, Brandy maneuvered all of her 123 pounds under the seating. The woman was still sleeping but Brandy’s large frame wiggled her chair fairly aggressively. The woman’s eyes sprang open she jumped up in her seat yelling “Earthquake!” After I stopped giggling, I assured her that even though Brandy could rightly carry the name of “Earthquake”, she was harmless. It broke the tension of everyone in the room and they all had to come over and admire our long-haired earthquake.
When I would take her for walks and let her off leash, there were several times she would break into a run and vanish into bushes, or start sniffing up a tree. At first, I thought she was on the scent of a squirrel, but each time, she would bring me an injured cat or kitten! I never taught her this, I rescue cats, I don’t need any more help finding lost or injured cats. But Brandy must have thought I needed more to do in my day. It got so I could read the signs and the pattern of her investigative prowess. She would first circle where the cat was hiding, her nose would go straight up into the air- she would actively sniff the area- her tail would go erect and she would hone in on the helpless kitty. She was clearly meant to be my dog- not only for what she for my diabetic husband but for all she gave to me of her heart and soul.
We rescued her off the Internet. We would discover later she was not a cherished animal in that household. The ad went up at 11:00 p.m. and I spied it instantly and answered it. The person was giving away a spayed, registered German Shepherd service dog! I sent an immediate answer and asked her what was wrong with the dog? Instead of answering me, I got back a terse message- “When can you be here?” She lived 3 hours from us. We left within 10 minutes of my answer and got there just almost at 2:00 a.m.
The woman was in a wheelchair and she had the dog in the courtyard and the dog was pulling her around. On the ground next to them was a pile of “stuff:” service dog gear, paperwork, registration papers and photos. I walked over to them and the woman handed me the leash and said “Here take her!” Then she turned around and wheeled herself back to her door! I shouted “Wait a minute? What’s wrong with this dog?”
“Nothing,” the woman answered, “I’m just tired of her!” That was it. I loaded the dog and all her paperwork and stuff into the truck and we went home. The dog was quiet, she laid in the back of the truck the entire time home, not coming up to sniff us or see what was going on. This dog was major depressed. . The next morning, she went to the vet. That was five years ago.
She is now 10 and a half years old had been given a different name then the one on her registration papers. In the last few months, her backend has started to betray her. They ran x-rays and determined she did not have hip dysplasia, but she did have severe arthritis that heavily affected her spine. We tried all sorts of treatments and medicines, but she was slowly breaking down. She’s been giving me signals for about a week but I loved her so much. I ignored the obvious until she made it clear that in this case ignorance is NOT bliss. She left this world at 10:00 this morning and as the vet put it so succinctly, this one was rough because from the middle of her back to her head, she was a happy dog. It was the back half of her that was so miserable and failing each day to keep her in my world. I didn’t want to sign that paper and make that decision and that’s when I knew that I was time to let her go.
We have shared so much in these five years that she has been a part of my life. She has kept me from being lonely on the days and nights when my husband is in the hospital on extended stays. She knew instinctively when one of my cats wasn’t feeling good and would let me know by bringing either me to the cat or the cat to me. A few times, I used her uncanny ability so that the people (who called me about their missing cats) could find their cat with her expert nose. She had an 80% success rate on finding lost cats. We shared so many walks in the forest, so many meet-and-greets with people who just couldn’t get over her gentle nature. She went everywhere with me. She never barked at the cats or at anyone who came to our door. Although she did perform many services for my husband: alerting him to his low (or high) blood sugar, pulling him in the wheelchair, stabilizing him if she was going to fall, she bonded strongly with me. After all, I rescued her from hell. Now, with my tears still drying on her fur, she is running free of pain in Heaven.
Goodbye B-Dog, you will be so missed not only by the humans here, but also by the cats.
I’m so sorry Mary Anne. From your posts it sounds like she was an amazing dog. I’m happy that you and she had 5 wonderful years to enjoy one another.
Awwww MA! So, so, so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. RIP B-dog. You were so loved.
Oh gosh, I am so sorry. She will be missed. A dog like her is one in a million. I am sure she’s going to be taking care of all of those kitties and cats who crossed over the bridge without ever having known the love of a special person or family. She’ll be there to help out because she does know what love feels like. You gave her that.
Keep your eyes peeled, she may be sending you a new 4-legged friend to pick up where she left off.
You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry, MA. I know she meant the world to you. Sincerest condolences from all of us.
I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP brandy. She does sound like a one in a million dog.
I’m so, so sorry – losing such a special, special family member is the hardest.
I was startled when I saw your article’s headline, and couldn’t believe it was Brandy who had gone. What a terrible day. It was as though she was destined to help you and Mike, and the cats in your care. I remember reading numerous stories you’d published about Brandy finding lost or abandoned cats. What a loss, not just for you, but for the world – but especially for you.
Godspeed, Brandy.
Oh my gosh! I am SO SO sorry…
Friend, companion, confidante, helper…Brandy was all that and so much more. I, too, remember reading all your posts about how wonderful she was in finding abandoned kittens. Her pain has ended and your pain has started. Please take gentle care of yourself and allow yourself time to grieve and mourn…then to eventually down the road, to celebrate the life of one remarkable dog.
there are no words…..but please know that the life she lived with you was so wonderful…..
I have been searching for the right words for hours. But, Random Felines has said it best—“There are no words.”
I am so happy you were able to share so many wonderful things together in 5 years. She was lucky you saw that ad and she was able to live out out her life knowing love and using her skills to help you, Mike, and the cats. I also enjoyed reading of your adventures together.
Sorry to hear of your loss. No words can lessen your pain, I know.
{{{Hugs}}}
What an incredible story…I am so very sorry to learn of Brandy’s loss=she was a beautiful, precious, special baby and I am so glad she was able to spend the last years of her sweet life with her loving family…My thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this time of sorrow, wishing you comfort and peace with the knowledge that LOVE never dies…xoxo…J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat
My thoughts are with you and I share your sadness at the loss of your truly special and magnificent Brandy. What a joy she was and how many special things she brought into the lives of so many others, her star will shine in heaven forever. May you be blessed for all you gave to her, may she be blessed for all she gave …
Ann
So very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet Brandy.
God Bless.
Hugs,
Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis
I cry every time I read this. no words can express how I feel, how we all feel at the loss of such a wonderful dog. She was amazing at helping with the kitties, I am sure that she would have been a nurse maid to them if she could. She has gone to the bridge to watch over them and true to her character I would bet that any “unloved” stray or feral cat will be rounded up by her to be loved and to wait for you. (which i hope is not for a very very long time) there may never be another one like her, but if there is my prayer is that God will lead it to you! She was a joy, a friend, a holder of secrets for you and Mike. My love, my awe, and my heartfelt prayers are with you.
I’m so, so sorry. No words can offer comfort or can help, I know. What I wish for you is *good* grieving, healthy grieving, no matter what form or how long it takes, and peace for your heart and soul on the other side of this dark path. You were both blessed to walk together for a time and I believe that Brandy’s spirit/essence/energy always will be with you, till one day your cosmic energies will be “reunited.”
Some years ago a blogger posted a comment/quote on someone’s site, to the effect that all the holes in our hearts are to let the Light shine through. May Light shine through your heart now.
Universal peace and blessings from me and purrs from my boys.
There truly are no words. Good dog, Brandy. RIP <3
I am so very sorry. You shared stories of a Brandy with me as I shared my stories of my Baron with you. You sent words of comfort when I lost him, I hope you can find comfort in your loss.
So sorry to hear about Brady!
Your TX furiends,
Samantha & Mom
What a great dog! How blessed you were to have had her these last years. Very sorry it came her time. I can imagine she is missed! {{{hugs}}}
Brandy was a VERY special dog. She had so many talents. How fortunate for your family and her that grumpy woman no longer wanted her. sending purrs and prayers to you and your family.
Brandy was such a special doggie. We know everyone is going to miss her, including the cats. It sounds as though a lot of cats owe Brandy their lives. She was a very special soul and we are so glad you were able to rescue her from hell. Purrs of sympathy and comfort.
Mary Anne I am so very sorry! I know how much you loved her and how much she loved you! Another Angel to watch over you! My thoughts are with you. (((Hugs)))