Today we woke up to find that he had passed away in the early morning hours. It was a very hard moment when the realization came in that he really was no longer with us. We had given our all to save him and for selfish reasons we were not ready to have him leave us. I guess it gives me more comfort knowing that he is in a better place and no longer suffering but the memories of his life in our family will never be forgotten.
He came to us as just a little puppy. He was barely bigger than the palm of your hand. He could hide under pillows, and walk through iron gates as if they weren't there. Oddly enough he started to grow. He grew up with a little boy, who loved him like none other. We found out a lot of things about him over the years. He has a bad temper. He likes milk. He doesn't like dogs. His kryptonite is being scratched behind the ears. He also became a baby hating old fart in his older years. On the inside He was just a big teddy bear. He learned how to open our back door, so he welcomed himself whenever he pleased. His signature trick was being able to speak on command.
His bark could shake the heavens. Javier and him were pals. DJ would pace at night until Javier was home. He usually wanted to crash for the night around 9 but since Javier has a 10:00 curfew he would walk back and forth from his bedroom to the family room as if he was checking to make sure Javier didn't sneak in and go to bed. Then he would sleep on the floor of Javier's bed. He was a little guardian as he laid facing the door completely aware of all who entered. He was just full of love!
He got into fights, got arrested a few times and once for protecting Javier from a game of chase and he got hit by a car going 40 miles an hour. He finished strong as a tank and is in a better place. All in all, he was the best dog a person could ask for. We love you DJ today, tomorrow and forever.
