After watching Mystery's hind end grow weaker and weaker and his increasing struggles to stand, along with his breathing and kidney problems, we felt it was time to end his pain and let him go last Saturday. Mystery was 15 years and almost 10 months old.

Those of you who have been around a while will remember Mystery. We heard a couple of different versions of his story but the essentials were that Matt Smith's Dad found him in a county animal shelter and brought him back to GFNC. He was just skin and bones and filthy. The rumor was he'd been living on his own for months. When Ron heard his story, he said we had to bring him home. That was almost four years ago, just a few weeks short of his twelfth birthday.

I believe that each of these dogs teaches us some lesson. Mystery taught us about persistance and determination. We thought after his difficult time Mystery would have psychic scars or behavior problems, but he never did. He was a small boy weighing about 55 pounds but he knew how to keep trying until he got what he needed and wanted. When treats were being handed out or leashes being attached he would stand behind the bigger dogs and patiently wait his turn. When he wanted affection or anything else, he would stare at his humans, pace repeatedly by his dishes or the door or start dancing around until we figured what he was trying to tell us. In the last year he took up silent barking. He would walk right up to us, open his mouth and pantomime this ferocious, snarling barking fit, all without making a sound!

Mystery dealt with his failing body in the same way he lived the rest of his life. Each times his back legs slid out from under him he would struggle to right himself until he succeeded or we rescued him. When his appetite would flag, I'd bribe him with fresh cooked chicken and he'd be eating again like a starving man. And he'd demand to be taken for a walk every morning, even if Ron had to carry him home, because there was always another scent that needed to be enjoyed.
We had almost four years of his zest for life, his age-silvered body, his almost toothless fox face and his antics that made us laugh every day. He was a precious gift, indeed!
Good bye, little buddy. We really miss you! (Please wait for us.)

Ron & Jean, I am so sorry to hear about Mystery's passing. He sounds like he was a wonderful guy. Seniors come into our life and into our hearts and give us so much joy. Thank you for giving him a wonderful life and letting him know that he was loved.

I am so very sorry for Your loss of Mystery. What a wonderful life You gave Him, He was truly blessed as were You.

Gary

my thoughts are with you, im very sorry to here of your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. Bless you for taking such good care of a poor senior. I know you were rewarded by him for that. I have seniors myself. They are all so very special. My prayers are with you.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts.

A precious gift indeed and I'm sure he saw life with you the same way. Run free, Mystery!

Hugs to you both.