STONE

: STONE : 

3/3/99-4/12/13

We said goodbye to our beloved dog Stone yesterday. It was one of the hardest things that we have ever had to do, and our house feels empty today. We are so sad, thank God we have you to brighten our day. Stone has been with Dave for 14 years and I have considered him my own for 8 years. He slept with us in our bed, while I was pregnant with you he slept with his head on my belly, then when I started to get bigger and I was sleeping on my side, he would sleep with his face up against it. I let him do this, even when I started to get SO HOT and your dad kept turning up the heater.

There are just so many stories to tell, I don't even know where to begin. First of all, he could sing. He was there when your dad was practicing Angels by Robbie Wiliams for a wedding and Stone would sing (or howl) along with him, in tune. I first learned that he could sing when I had just moved to California. I was running some errands and brought Stone along with me. Mind you, I had only known this dog for a couple of weeks, so did not know everything about him, but I did know how much Dave loved him and was protective over him. So, after a few hours, it was a little warm, and I had made my last stop. I got back to the car, turned it on, and Stone started howling so loud, I called Dave freaking out. I didn't know what was wrong with him... I was so scared. Then, Dave asked, "What is on the radio?" I said, "Red Hot Chili Peppers" - Dave said "Turn the station." I did and he stopped. I turned it back to the station and he started again. I'm not sure whether he loved or hated the band, but any song came on and Stone was singing along. We later were on a road trip up to visit Grandpa Dave & Grandma Liz and we learned a new song that he liked Don't Dream, It's Over by Crowded House and we sang along with him. I was excited, because even though I didn't sound as good as dad, Stone would sing this along with me. It was our party trick. He loved pizza, peanut butter, turkey and buttered toast - and to eat off of your plate. When we first moved into our house, he galloped around the back yard and ran the perimeter of the fence every day, until that became a slow walk. He was so excited to have a back yard.

We miss him so much and now he is protecting you from heaven, hanging out with Grandpa Mac and Charlie.