04/30/2021
Today has been one of the most heartbreaking days of our lives. Our sweet old boy Achilles passed away today. His poor little body just couldn't do it anymore. His body gave out but his strength and willpower never did. He spent his last moments outside with his daddy. Smelling the air and grass in the yard he loved. Picked a nice sunny spot and layed down.
He passed exactly 2 months to the day of his best friend Evil Knevil.
I never met a tougher pup. He faught through so much. He didn't know the word quit.
There was no quit in him. Not a weak bone in him. At 13 weeks old a vet said we needed to put him down. We wouldn't accept that. Saw another vet who helped us save him. At 13 weeks old most pups are playing. He was learning to walk on his rebuilt legs. He never whimpered or wavered.
Achilles had set himself to take care of his daddy and by God that's what he spent his entire life doing. When Kevin was struggling with seizures, TBI and PTSD Achilles sat by his side. He was at heart and soul a military dog.
Then he transitioned into a veteran's dog and excelled at it. He knew what to do and when to do it. When Kevin had a seizure Achilles just....knew. He stayed right by his side. He never had any formal training. It just came naturally to him. He was a loyal friend and protector of his family that he loved. Now, if someone came to take our TV Achilles would just lay on the couch and watch them take our s**t. lol
That boy didn't have a mean bone in his body unless his family was in harms way. Or unless Evil picked a fight with another dog at the dog park. Here would come big brother Achilles to protect him.
Achilles was loved by EVERYONE that met him. He was just this big, gorgeous, gentle giant with kind eyes that made you feel happy and comfortable.
He was with us almost 12 years. Over a decade. Alot happens in 12yrs. He watched on as his little boys grew into men. In fact when Landon's acceptance letter came through I looked at Achilles and said "he did it!!!" Achilles wagged his tail in approval. He was most happy and proud to take part in Dylans senior pictures.
He watched on as his girl grew from a teenager into a woman and then a mother.
And to say that he was a proud "ol grandpa" as we called him was an understatement. When Gabe was born he just loved having a new little one to watch over. He would lay infront of his little crib and sleep there as to say "you're not getting to my kid without going through me"
When Davina was born Achilles was slowing down quite a bit but still would make sure to lay with her. He loved his kids.....all kids.
One would be hard pressed to find a sweeter old friend.
When I was super sick Achilles would lay with me. No matter how long I was laying in a bed, or in my chair he'd be there. Only leaving long enough to eat/drink and potty and back he would come. He was the biggest comfort and the best friend one could ask for.
He took his "job" of looking out for his family very seriously. He spent every minute of his life doing his job. He would never go to sleep each night until everyone in his family was home for the night and in bed. Then he would sleep.
No other will ever be able to fill his very very large shoes.
We love you big boy. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives. To say it was an honor and a privilege to be your mommy is an understatement.
Your job is done my sweet boy. You rest now. I know you've found Evil where he was waiting for you on the rainbow bridge.
I love you old friend. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
