Labs
We've Loved and Lost
Hercules
Hercules was adopted into our lives on Jan.19, 2003. Right from the start we loved his gentle personality. It didn't matter to us that he didn't like to swim or know how to catch a ball. Having Hercules lay by us or follow us around where ever we went brought us lots of happiness. Whether we went on walks, long car rides, bike rides or snuggled on the sofa, Herc always wanted to be close. At night Hercules would often visit a number of bedrooms before deciding who he would fall asleep next to. His gentle ways and patience with children made him a favorite "pet therapy" dog at the Children's unit at our area hospital for over 3 years!
A few weeks ago, Hercules became ill following a minor back injury that lead to many complications. After 2 weeks of fighting to get better, a massive seizure gave us the sign Herc needed to be put down. On September 24, 2007, with a sunny and breezy day just the way Herc loved, Hercules left us.
We will never forget our nearly 5 years with "Herky-Perky". How he could steal food from counters or plates faster than you could turn around (peanut butter was one of his favorite). How he would open doors by wiggling the door handle with his nose just so he could be close to someone. How he would come up and lean his body against you so you wouldn't forger to pet him. How he made the children at the hospital laugh just by running through a tunnel to get a treat. How he would gently stand still and let you pet him, then lift his nose to your face to give you his famous "sniff" (like a kiss). How he loved standing very close to the people he met in wheelchairs. And of course, we will never forget how he would lift his head up and search for you with his cute and caring eyes.
Hercules, we will miss you! There will never be another dog like you. We are thankful that LEARN brought us to you and know some day we will see you again.
The Gruen's:Catherine, Mark, Katie, Emily and Ali