CARA's Little Star

Daniel

Submitted by: Lois Roam

Story: So small he could just about fit into a pocket was Daniel (the Spaniel.)  He arrived, 7 weeks old,  at Gary’s birthday party as a present.  The product of backyard breeders, but not a puppy mill pup, he had the best disposition and classic buff looks!  He immediately made friends for life with our friends and family.  There was never a lap he could resist.  We counted 8 laps one evening as his feet never touched the floor  going from one to the other around the table. 

We’d never had a Cocker and he was our first real grab-your-heart dog.  We’d lost Lucy awhile before, a sweet little older mixed-breed, but more of a family dog.  Daniel taught us true love.  We called him our surrogate son, as son Mike had grown and left the nest. He was also our sun. 

Daniel loved chasing balls and playing ball games.  He had boundless energy.  He snuggled, played, needed to be with us everywhere - house, yard and car.  He traveled in the RV several times to Florida and caught everyone’s hearts at the park.  Could he swim!!!  We had to watch out as he’d find water anywhere, fresh or salt.  He rarely grumbled, never nipped or bit and greeting everyone with wagging nub – and a bark of course.  He spend much time with his brother, a black Cocker owned by friends.  Nights were spend in our bed, starting as a “collar” around our head on the pillow.  He wormed his way into our hearts early on and oh how we loved him so. 

Daniel was always healthy but had a variety or surgeries over the years.  One summer he started bleeding internally.  After our several vet interventions, we brought him to Cornell for 5 visits and he was finally cured.  Then in winter he pulled a muscle in his leg.  The area eventually swelled and a blood clot moved to his heart or lungs.  We were with him til the end which came within hours,  giving him loving on the bed.  Suddenly his eyes lost their life look, he took one last big sigh and left us.  I was totally devastated that January 2006 and shocked.  Daniel was gone at 12 years old.  I didn’t want to leave the house, just cry and cry and the agony was unbearable.  Six months later Hershey entered our lives and saved us. 

Daniel, you know Mommy and Daddy still miss you and will always remember you.  You were our companion, son, true love and heart boy.  This is to you, sweet boy – your own star in the night sky.