We knew when Erik was born, he was a very special boy. We soon realized how
lucky we were to have him as part of our family. Erik loved to play ball.
Every ball in the house was his, no dog in the house would dispute this. He
played with his ball, like a puppy, the evening before he died. We had no
idea that this would be the last time we would see him playing. How we wish
we stopped what we were doing and sat on the floor with him.
Erik became a Champion before he turned 1 year old. He earned his
Championship in spite of the funny antics he would pull in the show ring
- sometimes making his handler feel embarrassed but mostly causing both the
Judge and handler lots of laughter. He participated in weight pulls at
Nationals, which he thoroughly enjoyed, sledding at home and volunteer work
at nursing facilities. To us, Erik had titles no pet could ever win. Each
day, he endeared our hearts with love and then he would go to sleep. Erik
was a gentle soul who loved everyone. He touched many lives and his loss
will be felt by many who knew him. He sired a litter of puppies, whelped
May 12th, 2008 and we are lucky enough to have a wonderful son from
him. It's hard to bear the thought that we no longer have Erik with us
physically, but he is with us everywhere we go. We try to think of all the
wonderful memories we have shared with him - especially the quiet times when
he would just want to sit on our laps or rest his head on our legs and be
petted.
Erik's name was called - the circle of life will take us all. Over the
rainbow bridge with a tennis ball he did go - full of love, this we know.
We shall play on the other side. Some may say that Erik had a long life -
but not us. He left us far too soon. He shall live on forever in our
hearts and in the bodies and souls of all his children. Good
Bye Erik - We will miss you!
