We headed up to one of our friends cabins for the weekend to go camping. It had been raining and we had some trauma getting our trailer up there. We got stuck in the mud pretty bad. It was really scary. I started walking to get help and called Clint. In minutes Shane was picking me up on the 4-wheeler and Nate and Clint were going to help Jas get unstuck. Luckily, they were able to get the truck and then the trailer out of the mud. Thanks so much guys!! That was enough stress for one weekend. There was minimal damage done to the trailer and we were so grateful that we had such great friends right there to help us out. I wish I would have gotten a picture of just how stuck we had gotten. It was a miracle we got out.
We brought our dog Bronco up with us and this was his first camp-out. We wondered if he would run off and get lost in the mountains or if he'd stay close. We were so excited when he ran around and then came right back to camp and then would take off again. He was actually keeping up with the 4-wheelers and having such a blast. He was a maniac! I've never seen a dog run so fast! We were so excited to take him on camp outs all summer!! We let the kids ride around and ate dinner and roasted marshmallows. The kids always love playing in the dirt.
The next day we had breakfast and then went to the lake to do some fishing. Since Bronco was muddy we decided to put him in the back of the truck. We tied him on his leash and tied it so that he couldn't jump out, but still walk around. We headed down the road to the lake. Jas had the boys on the 4-wheeler and I had Nanee in the truck with me. I saw Bronco looking over the edge of the truck and thought, "I'm so glad he's having such a fun time". I heard him whimper like he wanted to get out and then I heard a yelp and looked back to see him 20 feet or so behind the truck. I stopped the truck immediately and ran to him. He stumbled to the side of the road where he laid down. I thought at first that it just shocked him but I that he'd be okay. After a few minutes, it was clear he was not going to be okay. I panicked and screamed for Jas. Nate gave me some water to give him but he wouldn't drink it. Jas came and said it didn't look good. I was only going 15 mph. I can't believe it hurt him so bad. We picked him up and put him in the back of the truck hoping that he would come through. In only a few minutes he was gone. This was one of the saddest days of my life. It looked as though one of the plastic parts had broken on his collar. He was probably off his leash for a while in the back of the truck before he decided to jump. I had no idea he had gotten off or that he could possibly get hurt so bad. From what we could tell, nothing was broken except maybe his neck. We didn't even know how to tell the kids. We went to the lake where the kids were and tried to pull ourselves together.
Nate taking the kids on a boat ride.
After a few minutes they asked where he was and we had to tell them. They were all devastated of course, especially Davin. We let them all see him one time and then we picked a special spot and Jas prepared a place for him. While Jas buried him, the boys and I went searching for wildflowers. We came back and placed the flowers on his grave and said a few prayers. Everyone was crying except Nathan who just didn't get it yet. I asked the kids if they wanted to say anything to Bronco and Davin said, "You were a good boy". My heart broke. It was a very, very hard day for us. Although we didn't have him for long, we were all in love with him. He was so perfect for our family. He really was such a good dog and we were just beginning to think of all the memories we would have with him. I expected for the boys to grow up with him. We will miss you so much Bronco. Thank you Erin for giving us such great memories and such a great little friend. I'm so sorry that this happened. We will miss him so much.
Jas telling Davin the news.
Davin probably loved Bronco the most. He loved to sit with him or play ball with him. Last night he went to bed with his picture and snuggled his toy pug. He was sad that he didn't get to buy him a Christmas present with his own money. All the kids miss him a lot. Nathan opened the door to let him out today...
Nathan eating an Otter pop while Bronco chews on a stick. I was going to take so many cute pictures of him with the kids...
Bronco Madsen Rhodes
May 2008- June 13, 2009
19 comments:
I can't look at this right now with these three boys here, a hysterical sob session wouldn't be the best idea... love you am.
Aw :( I'm so sorry! Losing a pet is the worst! Every time one of our dogs died, I was so surprised by how attatched we had gotten to it. Sorry again.
I am so sorry to hear about your Bronco. It's so crazy how animals become such a big part of our family, and how hard it is to loose them. Thinking about you and your family...
Oh Amberly, I am so, so, so sorry. What an awful start to your camping trip. Losing animals is so very difficult.
Beautifully written honey...hope it helps to express your feelings...love to you and the boys...we loved Bronco too...he was the BEST little pup!!!
That really is heart breaking! Those are the kind of life lessons you hope you never have to help your kids through. I do love the pictures of Bronco....what an adorable dog.
Oh I'm so sorry. He is such a cute puppy. That is awfully sad.
Oh goodness, I thought I was done crying about little Bronco...obviously not. :( I am so so so sorry. I hope you aren't mad at me since I was the one who bought the cheapest collar for him at Walmart. I will replace Jack's tomorrow since they obviously aren't very strong. I am so glad you figured out you were a "little dog family" after MUCH consideration and I know when the time is right, another sweet little puppy will be a part of your family, maybe even another Pugwawa :) LOVE YOU.
I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine how tough that must have been to tell your boys. He was obviously a big part of your family!!
That is so sad! How are your boys handling it? Losing your dog is something you don't ever forget. We lost ours when I was 12 and I still remember how sad it was.
I am so sorry. Although it is hard, I think you will find that kids are very resilient. They probably will be able to grieve more quickly than you. I got all teary eyed reading that. We are thinking of you.
Oh Amberly my heart goes out to you and your family. What a tragic thing for you to witness and great sadness for your boys. Bronco was very lucky to be a part of your family~I'm impressed with how well you handle it, youre a good mom!
Sorry Am, I think loosing a dog is just like loosing a friend. I'm sure there is another one out there for you when the time is right. Lots of hugs!
How sad for you and your family! I'm so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry! That just brought tears to my eyes. I will have to break the news to Jabin.
Am, that is so sad. I'm so sorry that that had to happen. You practically just made this pregnant lady cry! I'm glad you had some good memories with him.
I am still so sad, I can only imagine how your family is feeling right now. We really loved bronco so much as well, and he will truly be missed.
Rest in peace little guy! You are indeed, a 'good boy'.
I still think it is so sad! Cute pics! I love that one of Bronco! He was such a great dog for you guys! I miss you!
Poor little Bronco! :( I'm so sorry! I still can't believe it... seriously so sad. Hope the boys and you are doing better. We will miss you Bronco!
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