THE BEST ‘SPIRIT’ OF ALL

Layka - a beautiful, sweet and gentle soul.  She was only 10 mos when this Mexican import came into HT-Z Rescue.  Tied outside, without housing, Animal Control stepped in, giving the owners a chance to give her up or be brought up on cruelty charges.  They chose to give her up - thank goodness! 

Jim Hull went to the shelter to pick her up. With no Foster Homes available in which to place her, eventually she was taken to a nearby kennel. She was on her way to a new life – the life she deserved from the beginning. Maripat Luntz would go visit her regularly. Layka was quick to learn and especially quick to learn all about clicker Training.  She was so smart.

Bonnie and Ron Godshall lovingly and oh so caringly, adopted Layka. They named her Spirit, the epitome of her attitude.  After several months with the Godshall’s, it was discovered that Spirit was epileptic. She had not exhibited signs of this before. Did that deter the giant-loving Godshalls?  Heck, no!  Spirit was now a member of their family. The Godshall’s did everything possible to help bring her seizures under control.  You see, no matter what she may have had, they loved her and nothing was going to stop them helping their little ‘Spirit’.

Unfortunately, Spirit’s seizures escalated. The Godshall’s knew this was not a quality life for their girl. They loved her so much. They released her, to cross the bridge and play happily, unencumbered, once again.

Rescue runs the gamut of our emotions. There is a story that has circulated the internet which I think is very appropriate and truly relates to all of our dogs and their crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

It follows:

Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my clients, assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next.

When living becomes a burden, whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final decision is painful and I've often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met Shane.

I'd been called to examine a 10-year-old blue heeler named Belker, who'd developed a serious health problem. His owners and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to him. They were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker, finding he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for him and offered to perform the euthanasia for the old dog in their home.

As we made the arrangements, they told me they thought it'd be good for the 4-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They thought he could learn something form the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time. I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion, so we sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane had been listening quietly and piped up "I know why". Startled, we all turned to him, and what came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said "Everybody's born so they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody and being nice. Right?" He continued, " Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long!"

Spirit was a gift to all that met her. She left us all too early. We will meet again as we all cross to the next adventure.

Stepping up to the plate for Spirit was truly an act of unselfish love by the Godshall’s. They have been there for others that have come to HT-Z Rescue as well. For the love of the breed - our hats are off to the Godshall’s for opening their hearts, for being there to love and support Giant Schnauzers!

The following is a response from the Godshall’s when I sent them a copy of this Tribute to Spirit for their approval. I asked if we could include it as it give us a personal glimpse into Spirit’s life.

In every way Spirit was your typical, young Giant that wanted to see everything, do everything and be by your side 24/7.  But on the other hand…She was always “Special” to Ron and me.  We made sure that she got to see and do everything, and we always let her be the Giant that “did it first”…she was always “the winner”. And my first great adventure with Spirit was Beginners Obedience.  Ron stayed with us the first night, and said “Oh boy, I bet you 2 don’t last too long in this”.  WRONG!!  Ron came again on Graduation Night and out of a class of 10 days, SPIRIT was Awarded MOST IMPROVED!!!!  Spirit loved everything you did with her.
She loved to travel…breakfast with Ron almost every morning…the park, dog shows,the Beach, Canada! 
Her favorite mode of transportation - the Motorhome!!!  She always headed for the Motorhome…it was time to hit the road again.  Every time we stopped at a new place and took her out, you could just see the excited delight on her face:  “Wow, a new place to explore!!!  Let’s go for a Big Walk!”

And I would do just that.  I always took Spirit for a really long walk where ever we went.  She loved seeing new things, meeting new people and dogs -.everything!  It was such a joy watching her excitement a new things in her life.  Her favorite place, The Beach!!!  I took her down on a harness and flexi and she had a Ball!!!  She played around in the surf, rode the waves in, chased the sea gulls (all Giants think they can catch the gulls…silly dogs), and chose her very own clam shell to toss around!  We stayed until we sat together and watched the sun set.  It was such a Beautiful time with Spirit.

Ron was with Spirit almost 24/7 and the bond between them grew unbelievably.  Ron was the “Love of her Life”.  Ron picked her up in MD from Jane and brought her to her “Forever Home”. Ron was with her all the time at home and on rides in the car, going to the bank for those biscuits that magically come back in that plastic bin!!  And most importantly…Ron was there for every one of her seizures and he was the one who sat with her and talked her out of them, and took care to get the right foods and water into her to restore her body from what the seizure took away. I know Spirit thanked Ron for all he did…and for all the Love he has for her.
And, yes, she left us too soon.  It is an absolute heartbreak, but we know in our hearts that Spirit finally knew what Love was all about and that Life was wonderful.

Yes, Spirit was in the “Fun Match” and she did Great!  As I said, Spirit Loved Everyone and Everything!
I just have to say that taking a Rescued Animal into your Heart and Home has to be the most Enriching, Rewarding act that a person can do.  Sharing their joys at a new life, as we did with Spirit, gives you a lifetime of wonderful memories.

And yes….we will all meet again!!!

Thank you so very much

Bonnie and Ron