Teena

Wow! It's been a crazy last three weeks. I started school... John Turner started daycare... John Turner turned four months old.... Kelsey left for East Asia.... and we had a death in the family.

On Monday, my neighbor called at 6:00pm and asked if John Turner and I wanted to meet them to go for a walk. We always meet in the park near our houses. I changed John Turner's clothes and my clothes. Heath was so excited! He was following us around the house. He knew he was going on a walk. We had gotten in from Birmingham the day before and I wasn't sure where Heath's lease was. But that is ok, but he's a really good dog and doesn't usually walk with a leash.

I stopped by the car to get my tennis shoes, which were still in the car from our weekend trip. We headed onto the park. We have to cross a fairly busy road. So I looked both ways - no cars. We started crossing. Next thing I know here comes a white Camry flying down the road. I was in one lane with John Turner and Heath was right behind me in the other lane. I turned around and saw the car. I started yelling for the car to stop and for Heath to stop, but it was too late. The car hit Heath and I had seen the whole thing!

I ran to get Heath out of the middle of the road. Thank God there wasn't another car coming. Of course I was a nervous wreck! I called for Christina my neighbor. We called the vet to find out which emergency vet service was open. The lady that hit him turned around. She was older and I think a little shook up. She started yelling at me "What's your name? Who are you?" Finally Christina just told her to go on. Another lady pulled up and asked if she could help. She drove me to the emergency vet. Christina pushed her baby, John Turner, and walked her dog home. But it was too late. Heath died before we even got to the vet, which was right outside of our neighborhood.

On Wednesday I found Heath's lease in the car! I am just thankful that the lady did not hit John Turner or me or hurt herself.

A part of our family has been lost. Gunter gave me Heath the first Christmas that we were married. He was the best dog ever! He was so sweet, so well trained. It's just weird to walk in the house and he's not there to greet you.

This picture was taken when Gunter brought Heath home to me! 

Heath's birthday was on Halloween, so we decided to name him after a candy!  Originally, Gunter wanted to name him "Booger" and I nixed that, and I wanted to name him "Wilber." He was the runt of his litter at the Humane Society, and Wilber was the runt pig in the Charlotte's Web. But after much discussion, we decided on Heath. 

Heath had many names , which we were just laughing about last weekend in Birmingham! 

Heath, Teena, Beefy, Beefy Teena... just to name a few! 

He has been a part of our life for so many monumental things. I will am sad that he won't be a part of John Turner's life growing up. On Tuesday, the day after he was killed, we fed John Turner rice cereal. I just kept thinking how Heath would love to lick the leftover cereal off John Turner's face!

We buried Heath in the backyard. Mom is getting a marker to put back there so we'll always remember where he is. Yesterday Gunter said maybe something cool will grow where Heath is! Like in Where the Red Fern Grows!   I loved that book growing up and had forgotten all about it! 

Heath with his cousin Belle, when she was a puppy! 

Modeling his beach attire! 

One of Heath's many "outfits!"

Tailgating in Auburn!

Heath was there when we brought John Turner home.

Last picture taken of John Turner and Heath

Say a prayer for our family. We are still very, very sad. It will get better eventually I know. I am praying for a better week next week too.

Next posts will be about saying goodbye to Kelsey and John Turner's 4 months old pictures!