Granville's Heavy Metal was a German Shepherd Dog born on 8-03-86 at Granville Kennels. He was not superior as dogs went, and yet he was special. His coloring was unique. In more than twenty five years of breeding shepherds he was the first solid gray dog ever produced at the kennel. I called him Zeppelin, or Zep, after the "heavy metal" rock group, Led Zeppelin.
Granville's Heavy Metal was a German Shepherd Dog born on 8-03-86 at Granville Kennels. He was not superior as dogs went, and yet he was special. His coloring was unique. In more than twenty five years of breeding shepherds he was the first solid gray dog ever produced at the kennel. I called him Zeppelin, or Zep, after the "heavy metal" rock group, Led Zeppelin.
Zep became quite a hit with just about everyone who ever met him. He was to remain a puppy at heart (childlike) and playful, and yet he would develop an uncanny ability to know and tell things. Things? What do I mean things? Spiritual things, things associated with life and death, things that affected the very lives of those the dog came to love and protect. And so it is with assurance that today I can proudly say that he did indeed "come to love and protect" and even as his life on this earth has ended he still serves those whom he was originally sent to serve, be they in this realm or the next.
My father was quite ill with cancer in September of 1994, and Zep had recently been diagnosed with a heart condition. Never the less, being my constant companion, Zep traveled with me daily to visit and care for Dad.
On the evening of September 19th, Zep developed a problem with gastric torsion. Euthanasia was the only "humane" choice, and I buried my face in the soft warm fur that I'd loved since birth, and told him a tearful good-bye. It was the hardest thing I'd ever had to do.
Dad, so sick, so weak, wanted to know where his Zep was. How could I tell him? How could I say that Zep had gone on and now waited patiently for his "grandpa"? Born to love, protect and guide, his job would continue in another world, another realm, another time. I believed it. Did anyone else?
A few days later while caring for Dad, I said to him "you're not feeling well today are you?" He said "you know the signs". I wondered what he meant, but figured it was the medication talking. The next day Dad was admitted to the hospital. While lying in his bed, he kept kicking at the blankets and trying to get comfortable, when I asked him what was wrong. He said "That dog at the bottom of the bed. It won't move." I asked him what the dog looked like. He looked again with recognition and looked back at me and just smiled. I didn't have to hear an answer. I knew that Zeppelin was there and Dad would be going soon. I was right. Two days later, on September 29th, my father passed away. Two of the most important beings in my life had been ripped away. I was devastated. Lost for words, and emotionally numb, I tried to "put the pieces of my life back together", tried to get back to "normal", whatever that was.
October 4th, my niece Tiffany, invited me to go shopping with her to purchase "something special, something unique" for her mother's birthday. The outing might brighten my spirits. I agreed to go.
On the way to meet Tiff, I passed the vets office and all the pent up grief came flooding back. "Oh Skinnerd, I miss you so much" I whispered, and wiped a tear away as I thought of how many different call names he had responded to. I guess it was only fitting that a dog name Heavy Metal would be associated with all the heavy metal rock groups such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Pink Floyd along with Led Zeppelin.
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a speeding truck. It came around me as if I were sitting still. I noticed the license plate, and was startled to see 803... 803? August 3rd? That was Zep's birthday! At that very moment Breath by Pink Floyd began playing on the radio. I glanced at the clock. 11:13 am. Tears stung my eyes and the eleven blurred into a Gemini (II) zodiac sign... Gemini 13. That was me . I was born on the 13th day of Gemini. I wondered...
After meeting with Tiffany I told her about the series of unusual events, and how it seemed every time I got in my vehicle I was reminded of Zep. He had been with me always. It was only natural that the vehicle brought back his memories, but other "things" did not seem quite so "natural" to me.
Just as we headed for our destination, Stairway To Heaven, by Led Zeppelin came on the radio. I looked at Tiff and pointed to the radio. "See what I mean?"
The village Factory Store was noted for its unusual gift items. People didn't mind driving the extra distance to get there. Arriving at the shop, I parked my truck and for the first time noticed the address, 308. Now that's strange too, I thought. What a day.
The agate slices were displayed near the front of the store and caught my attention upon entering. I noticed one particular slice with the usual ring pattern to it, but the very unusual color of charcoal, swirled into a silver gray. It was exactly the color of Zeppelin! I'd never seen those colors in agate before, and picked it up for a closer look. Beneath that slice lay another that was far more symbolic.
The second slice of agate contained the images of a girl kneeling, almost in prayer position, her long hair flowed down and around her body as if to conceal the sacredness of the moment and sitting by her side was the image of a well mannered, and alert German Shepherd Dog.
Breathe:
Breathe in the air, don't be afraid to care
Leave, but don't leave me
Look around and choose your own ground
For long you live, and high you fly
And smiles you'll give, and tears you'll cry
And all you touch, and all you see
Is all your life will ever be.
"a gift from Zep", a voice seemed to whisper as I gathered both pieces.
That evening, while admiring the two agate slices, my eyes were drawn to the trio of pyramids that supported the photo of Zeppelin. My curiosity was peeked. Breathe, by Pink Floyd. A quick scan of my albums revealed the pyramid from the cover of The Dark Side of the Moon, and the words to the song Breathe. There was a full moon the night I buried Zep. He was not from the "dark side", but came from "the light". ... "You know the signs." My father's words came back.
I placed the album back into the rack and noticed directly behind it was the album Lynyrd Skynyrd, and behind that album was 38 Special.
Granville's Heavy Metal was a charcoal gray German Shepherd Dog. He was different. He was special. "Many are called, but few are chosen." ... and Zep and Dad were chosen.
Yes, I know the signs and I know the message. What Dad, Zeppelin and I shared and what those two meant to me, shall never be forgotten. I can rest assured they are together and are still watching over me even today. I thank God always for every remembrance of them.
