A Tribute to Aussie

We have very sad news. Aussie has passed away due to old age and a stroke. Last night, after Mike and I got back from town we went to check out the new building where my dad was chipping away at some work. I headed towards the house and was greeted by Aussie. He was wagging his tail and just standing there panting really hard. I looked into his eyes and immediately noticed something was not right. I ran to where Mike and my dad were and Aussie followed right behind me. He could barely make it up the steps into the building. His eyes were dark and glazed over, his forehead was pulled back tight and his back legs were stiff and shaking. We went back to the house and Mike tried to carry him inside. We couldn’t get him in – he collapsed over and started shaking and his legs were completely stiff. After about a minute he died in our arms. One of the saddest things that has ever happened to me. I can’t even write this without choking up. He was our best friend. Every morning he would wait for us at the top of the stairs and give kisses. He accompanied us always by our side during the day. And he’s the last one I say goodnight to before going to bed. He’s been my best bud since I was 13 there for me thru high school, and still there for me when I came back from college – always happy to be by my side under any circumstances – he was truly a happy dog and lived a full life.

Although this was pretty sudden, we knew he was getting old and we hate to see how the heat of the summer makes him suffer. I have to say that I’m grateful he died without suffering for many years like a lot of old dogs do. We’re happy he was able to get a 4-wheeler ride in this spring and has surpassed his monthly quota of tire-marking. He was the “tire connoisseur” king of the northwest! I’m so glad we finally dedicated one of our wines (malbec) to Aussie, as he has brought so much love to the Stowe family in the past decade. His death was pretty hard on Mike…they were best friends, played soccer everyday together and some friendly wrestling matches. I have to admit I think Aussie was waiting for Mike and I to get home before he died….all four of us were there to see him go. Rest in peace big Aus.