Gretchen Rose Placko
Gretchen Rose Placko
Our sweet Gretchen came to us from the Susquehanna County Humane Society on May 22, 1992. She was about 6 months old, and in a cage with another little puppy who was running all over the cage, running through his own mess, then jumping all over her. She was huddling in the front corner of the cage trying to escape the onslaught. I was there to do the weekly video for the Humane Society that I ran on public access TV. One look into those gentle eyes and that forlorn face, and I knew that this had to be my dog.I came home and told Stephen that was all I wanted for my birthday...this sweet little girl. He said, "But we're cat people!" But then said, "Well, I think it's a mistake, but go ahead." I was waiting for the doors to open at 8 a.m. the next day. I didn't want anyone else to get there before me and take my dog!
It took no time at all for us to realize that we had the perfect dog. They didn't come any sweeter. She was so sensitive; my closest friend and confidante. When he didn't think I could hear him, I would hear Stephen telling her how beautiful she was, and how he loved her. I will always have the image in my mind of Stephen going down to take a swim, his towel around his neck, his girl right behind him.
On September 15, 2005, Gretchen got sick. I and my vet thought it was a reaction to aspirin she had been taking for a touch of arthritis. But 2 days later we were on an emergency trip to Cornell University Hospital for Animals where she stayed for 3 days and received wonderful care, but was diagnosed with probable cancer involving her lung, liver, and kidney. I chose to do nothing invasive given her age and the likelihood that there would be no successful treatment. She received a blood transfusion which made her feel much better, and came home.
We had a glorious week together. She was acting like her old self. I knew every moment was a gift, and accepted it as such. She got to see all her family members and special friends. Every morning we would take a casual walk together around the yard and down to the lake - wherever her nose would take us. On the morning of September 28th, I knew that she was backsliding, and that afternoon she went to the Bridge from my arms.
There will never be another one like her, and I will never stop aching for her or missing her, but she is with Stephen now, and I like to envision them walking to the lake for a swim every day.
