~H.C. (Doc) Gurney, D.V.M.

Introduction

Apollo's Creed

Some people believe Angels have wings; this is a true story about an Angel with four legs and a fur coat. It is a story about the lessons in life I learned from my best friend, my constant companion, my dog Apollo. Lessons learned about life, love, spirit, compassion, courage, hope, determination, persistence, laughter, loyalty, happiness and being a better person. This is also about allowing the most important chapter in my life to close with peace, love, acceptance, and without any regrets.

I am not an accomplished author, nor an experienced writer; I am simply a dog owner who shared life with a best friend, my dog Apollo, for ten and a half years. My best friend and I were inseparable. Every time we moved into a new neighborhood we were immediately known, and commonly referred to, as "the girl with the big dog." Apollo accompanied me to the grocery store, dry cleaners, bank, on wintertime sales calls, and the annual Christmas tree shopping expedition. Apollo and I visited every park in south metro Denver and shared pleasure trips across Colorado from Durango to Aspen. Apollo wasn't "just a dog," he was my best friend, and in many senses we grew up together.

I am writing this book to share our story with other pet owners. I hope that this book will provide some advice, strength, comfort and support to pet owners who find themselves faced, as I was, with the imminent loss of their best friend. We will help pet owners handle the care of our best friends in both life and death. Our story will provide some resources, treatment options and finally, some ways to say goodbye.

When we experience such a strong bond with our pet, they are not merely a pet, but rather a family member, and to say the loss of our beloved friend is difficult is an understatement. Psychologists have found that when we have a very strong bond with a pet that is a family member, their death results in the same feelings of grief and emotions associated with a close human's death. I believe that in some cases the grief may be felt to an even greater extent, perhaps because some people do not understand how much friendship and companionship we share with a close pet, leaving us very much alone in the grieving process.

The vast amount of emptiness left by Apollo's death will never be filled. By telling Apollo's and my story, I hope pet owners will realize that they are not alone in the feelings they have for their friend. I will provide some empowerment, encouragement and resources in dealing with a pet's illnesses and coping with an eventual and overwhelming loss. It is only with the love and support of family and close friends, and knowing that without a doubt I did absolutely everything humanly possible to take care of Apollo, especially in his last challenging year of life, that I can find some comfort.