Breaker Goes Home

by Andy Polizzi
(Monrovia, CA)

In 2005 we adopted a beautiful blue merle Australian shepherd. "Jackson" was a beautiful boy who won our hearts on first sight. We changed his name to Breaker and began our lives together. In 2006 we rescued a lovely golden retriever named Maddie Rose as a companion dog for Breaker. They bonded immediately and for the next ten years were constant companions. While Maddie is still with us, Breaker, unfortunately passed away on September 6, 2016. Although Breaker was sometimes a challenging dog, especially during thunderstorms, high wind events, and fireworks, and had a number of phobias (metal bowls, ice maker noises), we loved him with all our hearts.

Breaker was my walking companion and helped me lose weight and get healthy. He and Maddie were with us constantly and when we were out of town, our wonderful neighbor gave them the loving care we would have. The last year or so Breaker slowed down and was no longer able to join us on our daily walks. He would wait at the door to "saddle up" with us and Maddie and I would often find him waiting at the door to greet us upon our return. The last couple of weeks Breaker found it difficult to rise from a prone position and even difficult to stand. He tried valiantly to play with Maddie and run in the yard with her, but in the end, to preserve his dignity, we made that decision that we all hate to face from day one of the rescue process.

Breaker brought joy into our lives. Thank you, my sweet, beautiful boy. I see you in the corners, I can see you in the darkness. I see you in my memories and I carry you in my heart.

See "Breaker Comes Home" and "Breaker Our Miracle Dog" for Breaker's life adventures.

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