I am making the following comments now just in case I don't get the chance to make them later. The Boss and I knew that I was sick, but we didn't know how sick. I sort of escalated the situation this morning when I got into Mistresses leftovers from her tomato juice making. I got a terrible belly ache and began to stagger around from room to room trying to get relief.

Boss got me to the vet, blood tests were made, and it was found that my sugar was way off the scale and that my liver is in a mess. Of course, that made Boss sick too. I heard the doctor ask him if he wanted him to put me down, but Boss said that it just couldn't do that right now. DOC gave me a shot to settle my stomach and some pills. He said that I couldn't have anything to eat or drink until in the morning. That is going to be hard.

Well, I really would like to make a few comments. I have a birthday coming up in October. If I make it until then, I will be eleven. I had hoped to make it until about eighteen, but it has been a good life. I could have been in rich household where I could have had the money to go to the doctor all of the time, had fancy haircuts, and all kinds of other doo dads and things, but I had the best there is when it comes to family. Boss and I are joined in the Spirit. As I said on the other part of the page, once we took a sniff of one another, there was no one else for us. The only thing that I have ever wanted is to be with Boss. Where he went I wanted to be there also. Just to know that he is close enough to touch, is enough to bring peace. When we apart, we are incomplete. What I want to know is, "What is going to happen to Boss?"

When I was little, I played "sock." When I got older, I played Frisbee and soccer. I can't do that anymore. We used to walk miles, now I just waddle around. Now I just want to eat and sleep...and be with Boss.

Well, there are a lot of positives. I got to be with the boy pup Jonathan and greet the little girl pup Mia. Boss has me and Jonathan on video playing Frisbee and walking together. I got to go to Camp Meeting quite a few years. Mercy, I have had almost eleven wonderful years. But, even more would sure be nice. I just wanted to say farewell in advance.

I have asked Boss to write a post script to this if I should slip way anytime soon. If I am not healed, may I go in my sleep and save the Boss the heartache of making that decision. Thanks for reading my page.

Alex King
October 1991-August 22, 2002

A Few Words from Boss

This is Alex's last photo taken while he was on his last excursion to Kates Mountain with Jonathan and me. This was just a short time before he left us.

.....What can I say that Alex has not already said? Alex passed away in the company of grieving family members this afternoon. Alex had cancer that exploaded inside him after a long attack. I think it may have been caused by the parvo that he survived in puppyhood. The cancer destroyed his whole system Needless to say that I am crushed.
.....My nearly constant companion and shadow. My friend that I looked for the sight of when I came home after being somewhere without him. He loved me without any stungs attached. He was the one I could go to when I felt down and out. He was the one that I would die for and he for me. He was my special gift from God. He was the one that I would like to have shared a coffin with. If I have my way, I will be buried in the plot next to him in the yard. .....He was boss dog if he really was a dog and I am not convinced of that.

.....We a service for Alex yesterday complete with scripture, the singing of Precious Memories, a prayer, and the committal service. It was the most difficult funeral service that I have ever had because the family was ourselves and the funeral service was for us. Too love deep is to hurt deep.

Three weeks have past and it pain of his loss is still terrible.

Words to "Old Shep"

When I was a lad
And old Shep was a pup
Over hills and meadows we'd stray
Just a boy and his dog
We were both full of fun
We grew up together that way

I remember the time at the old swimmin' hole
When I would have drowned beyond doubt
Shep was right there
To the rescue he came
He jumped in and then pulled me out

As the years fast did roll
Old Shep he grew old
His eyes were fast growing dim
And one day the doctor looked at me and said
I can do no more for him, Okey

With hands that were trembling
I picked up my gun
And aimed it at Shep's faithful head
I just couldn't do it
I wanted to run
I wish they would shoot me instead

He came to my side
And looked up at me
And laid his old head on my knee
I stroked the best friend
that a man ever had
I cried so I scarcely could see

Old Sheppie he knew he was going to go
For he reached out and licked at my hand
He looked up at me just as much as to say
We're parting, but you understand

Old Shep he has gone
Where the good doggies go
And no more with old Shep will I roam
But if dogs have a heaven
There's one thing I know
Old Shep has a wonderful home

Grace Ebneter sent me this poem and it must have been written for Alex:

Ode to a Furry Friend

Ode to a furry friend
What would I do without you,
My precious, furry friend....?
Part Mischief, but all blessing,
And faithful to the end!
You look at me with eyes of love,
You never hold a grudge....
You think I'm far too wonderful
To criticize of judge.
It seems your greatest joy in life,
Is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting
Your warm, soft fur would be,
I know that you think you're human
But, I'm glad it isn't true....
The world would be a nicer place
If folks were more like you!
A few short years are all we have,
One day we will have to part...
But you, my furry friend, will always have,
A place within my heart.

arthur unknown.

This is Alex's Grave on Memorial Day, 2003. It is where I can see it every day and talk with him. I am still in deep mourning.

This is Alex King Day, Augest 22, 2003. I am still hurting