Peabody was already old and blind when he arrived at the ranch several years ago with an amazing story. His tenacious zest for life -- even with a failing body -- was remarkable. Two years ago he survived a stroke that we thought would surely do him in, yet he bounced back. But in the past year he began to have more and more health problems, and increased difficulty getting up. He would have his good days and his bad days. And on the bad ones Alayne and I would look at dear Peabody and wonder if the time had come.
Yet he still loved to greet visitors, and he would trot off the Widget's House porch with his geriatric Shepherd shuffle to say hello. He positively couldn't stand Travis, our dog with a fused jaw, and when he knew Travis had come out the door, Peabody would try to take off after him to give that young whipper-snapper a piece of his mind. Despite his health problems and creaky body, Peabody still loved to eat, too.
So it was evident he continued to enjoy life, even with his ups and downs.
But in the middle of last week he started to lose interest in food. He seemed morose and more rickety than normal. On Friday Alayne noticed a few of the other dogs would go up to Peabody, sniff him, and then back away as if troubled. When Alayne went over to Widget's House Friday night about 9:30 p.m. to put the dogs up, she found Peabody laying down in the yard. Now, Peabody would rarely ever lie on a dog bed or cot; he almost always preferred the ground, which is the last thing his ancient body needed.
But when Alayne started stroking him, he didn't respond ... even though he was very much alive. She tried to help him get up, but he couldn't stand. It was almost like another stroke. She called me for help. I picked him up, got him to his feet and onto the porch, but he collapsed again. His back legs weren't working, and his front legs were barely functioning. We carried him inside and put him into a giant dog crate on a thick, soft bed. Peabody is the only dog we've ever had who didn't like being crated, but he lay down on the bed in the crate and didn't stir. He didn't seem to be in any pain, but he did look like he had given up.
On Saturday morning I pulled him out of the crate and helped him out to the porch. He still couldn't walk. I laid him down on the big round bed. I hoped breakfast would make a difference, but it was clear his zest for life was now gone. He looked miserable. I knew the moment had come.
I took the photo above of Alayne with Peabody just before we lifted him onto the stretcher and carried him out to the truck. I drove him to our vet clinic in Helena and got there around 11 a.m. A few minutes later I was holding his old Shepherd head in my hands as he slipped away.
I have been on your site many times in the past, and keep up with all your animals you put on your site. I live here in Great Falls, I train Service dogs, and just got a new German Shepard I have been working with for a few months, but he is giving me challenges, so tonight I was looking at your site to give me a lift and saw that Peabody past away, my prayers and my families are with you! God Bless, Rebecca Evered and family
Posted by: REBECCA EVERED | August 25, 2007 at 11:54 PM
Well, dear Peabody, I am sorry to hear you are gone....a real hero. Now, he is happy.
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | August 23, 2007 at 09:08 PM
I found your site last week, and have been busy reading about each one of your furry friends. Peabody's story is the one that touched me the most, as a lover of old dogs and old folks.
Godspeed Peabody.
The world certainly needs more people like you two. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Doreen | August 22, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Go with joy to the bridge to chase butterflies and songbirds Peabody ....your body will soon be whole and painless... I tear up as I read this as a good life is to celebrate and I amjoyfull in the joy that you graced your keepers with and the other way around....
Posted by: cindy | August 21, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Peabody was a beautiful dog. That photo of him and Alayne made me cry. I'm so sorry you lost him...he was such a sweet soul.
Posted by: Abby Creek Art | August 21, 2007 at 09:13 AM
"Sit tibi terra levis". May the earth be light upon you, sweet old Peabody!
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 21, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Ditto to all the beautiful comments. There has been so much loss this past month and I've lost two of my own pet family members too! My heart aches for all the losses. We should all be so lucky has to have a Peabody in our life! It never gets easier losing a beloved loved pet. Peabody a big hug as you go over the Rainbow Bridge.
Posted by: Shirley & James | August 20, 2007 at 09:41 PM
We are so sorry to hear about Peabody. However he was a gallant dog and you provided him with a happy and dignified retirement. Godspeed to Peabody and hugs to you both.
Posted by: Julie and the 3 dachshunds | August 20, 2007 at 08:21 PM
I am so sorry !!
xoxo
Posted by: Karen | August 20, 2007 at 08:09 PM
oh peabody...i am so so sorry. if you didnt love them so much it wouldnt be so hard to watch them go, but then you would miss out on so many wonderful times.
steve and alayne, you have been going through a rough stretch with the animals. my heart goes out to you along with my most positive thoughts for everybody's health at the rolling dog ranch!
Posted by: Maggie | August 20, 2007 at 07:17 PM
A dignified end for a dignified dog. He was Harriet's hero; he's ours, too. What a blessing that he was able to live out his last years at RDR.
Posted by: Heidi & the kitties | August 20, 2007 at 07:13 PM
Oh, Mr. Peabody. Thank God he got to live out the rest of his days at RDR. Amazing photo...it says so much. Thank you for providing a wonderful old man. Take care all of us.
Posted by: kim | August 20, 2007 at 06:14 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. (And, I guess, kind of happy that Peabody can be free of his aches and pains - but that never seems to ease the sadness of losing them.)
I trust there's another amazing animal out there who's headed your way. They won't fill Peabody's shoes (booties?) - but maybe the joy of getting to know a new friend will ease the pain of losing an old friend.
Take care / keep up the good work.
Posted by: Karen | August 20, 2007 at 05:08 PM
I know that losing your animals comes with the life style you two chose, but that doesn't stop the pain. My heart goes out to you both, not just for the loss, but also for the hard work, dedication and love you give to these horses, dogs and cats.
God Bless You!
Posted by: Sari | August 20, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Dear sweet Peabody has always been one of my favorites. What a gentle soul who has now gone on where he's not limited by his aging body anymore. God speed, Peabody. Thank you so much, Steve & Alayne for giving him so much great love & care over the years. No one could have done better.
With sympathy & special hugs,
ginger
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | August 20, 2007 at 02:07 PM
My sympathies to you both for the loss of another precious furry boy. He had an amazing second chance to live out his retirement at your ranch!
Posted by: Nina | August 20, 2007 at 12:14 PM
A rough month for you two. I am so sorry. These animals are so beautiful and so unique. I believe it is better to have known and loved them for any amount of time then to have missed the opportunity to cry our hearts out when they go.
Posted by: Morgan Skilling | August 20, 2007 at 11:28 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss and wish Peabody's spirit much happiness on his new journey.
Posted by: Mircat | August 20, 2007 at 10:59 AM
My sweet hero, Peabody - what is not to love about you?? Enjoy heaven!
Posted by: Cora | August 20, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Peabody is a devoted HERO, and you all have been so incredible in providing his loving 2nd home after he so gallantly worked at saving his original Owner. There is no more important moment than the comfort of your loving hand as he transitions to be together again with her. We're sorry for your loss of this wonderful guy.
Posted by: Margaret | August 20, 2007 at 10:15 AM
We should all be so lucky to have such a wonderful, happy, long life and friends to care for us at the end. I'm sure he's smiling down on you both. Farewell Peabody.
Posted by: trace | August 20, 2007 at 08:47 AM
Peabody - a Hero Dog right to the end. He saved his older lady in her time of need and you two saved him - you gave him his last fews years full of love and joy and other great mutts to play with and so - it was his time to fly free. So to Peabody I say - Courage old friend - your best journey is just beginning.
Posted by: Tracye J. | August 20, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Rest in peace, Peabody.
Posted by: Amy | August 20, 2007 at 08:02 AM
I'd never read P's story: incredible! What a gentle giant! So sorry for this loss, Steve and Alayne. It is amazing how these creatures stay with us. I have known far fewer animals in my life and volunteering than you, but I read, all the time, your intimate knowledge, understanding and enduring love for them - also INCREDIBLE! We pray for rain for you. It has been raining for 24 hrs here in Michigan and we hope and pray for the best for you, your animals...Copper Kid. Take Care and, as always, thank you.
Posted by: Kari | August 20, 2007 at 07:53 AM
Sweet Peabody.....he was a hero for Harriet, gentle greeter to ranch visitors and a strong character. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure Peabody met all his friends at the rainbow bridge.
Posted by: Boundforglory | August 20, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Losing a dog is always heartbreaking. I felt sad reading about Peabody, but a part of me was happy that he lived a good life filled with much love and freedom in your ranch. The both of you are doing a wonderful job in giving these lovely animals a good home. God is watching...and Peabody is probably up there watching with HIM.
Posted by: Priscilla Smith | August 20, 2007 at 07:51 AM
RIP, Sweet Peabody. I kiss your sweet face.
My condolences to you, Steve and Alayne. It's been a tough few months with your recent losses. Just remember how much you enjoyed each creature who got to share his or her time with you. I always like to look back and smile at some antic or quirk my companion had.
Posted by: Janet | August 20, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Oh dear old Peabody, thank you for the amazing life story you shared with us and for all the fond memories. You will surely be missed. Steve and Alayne thank you for giving Peabody a place in RDR and in your hearts. Sending lots of hugs to the both of you.
GiLe
Posted by: GiLe | August 20, 2007 at 07:26 AM
Rest in peace, dear Peabody, knowing you were loved and treasured. What a brave and noble shepherd you were! May your memory be a comfort to all those we knew and loved you.
Posted by: Margaret S | August 20, 2007 at 07:24 AM
I had never read Peabody's story until today - what a wonderful GOOD dog. Bless y'all for giving him so much happiness!
Posted by: Jenn | August 20, 2007 at 06:54 AM
What a beautiful picture of Peabody and Alayne. Peabody looks like he is so loved and he knows it.
Wow...losing Claude and Peabody is very hard and I didn't even know them. I'm so glad that ya'll were able to give both of them such a wonderful home in the time they were at the ranch. Thank you for what you do.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Ware | August 20, 2007 at 06:48 AM