Lumineux Ice Fire

Shimmer, my first Tervueren, was the only girl in a litter of six ( 3 greys 3 Groens ) out of Groenendael parents. Having five brothers she learnt her self-preservation and supervisory skills early - which helped her in her role as Number 1 fox patrol dog. She was shown a couple of times, but didn’t think much of it so she was put in charge of security and for a number of years guarded my chook yards - Shimmer loved "her flock" and would often curl up with them all around her - very sweet.

Shimmer now spends most of her time curled up on the sofa in our lounge room, she still likes to go out and check on her chooks through the fence.

After a visit to the vet in May 2006 - due to a couple of collapses that looked to be heat stress, Shimmer was found to have Laryngeal Paralysis (unfortunately our vet advised us that surgery was not a viable option in her case).

Feb 2007 - Latest vet check for Shimmer shows heart and lungs are fine and although she has some arthritis she is still doing well for her age. Shimmer looks more and more like her mum Flame the older she gets, same beautiful expressive face.

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---