GUNNER ROGERS

JAN. 2000 - JULY 2010

"DOG" is "GOD" spelled backwards - unconditional love and devotion ALWAYS.

"Gunner knows he is different from other dogs: A true working dog, with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with running free). He has educated himself by watching people and things extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his best friend and master, Matt Rogers, a true horseman.

Through Matt, Gunner has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like running, isn't simply about running free and satisfying every urge - It is about doing your job and being faithful.

On the eve of his death, Gunner takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: The sacrifices Matt has made to succeed professionally; the addition of more humans to watch over; the addition of other pets to tolerate and eventually love their company.

In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Gunner comes through heroically to preserve Matt, and family, holding in his heart the dream that Matt will become a true man of God who is a roping champion. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise Gunner can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man...to shake Matt's hand and five him, that familiar glance.

Gunner is also happy to finally be running free in the mountain meadow, with the rain softly falling on a summer day, running, running with no worries, or pain, just running free...

until the day God allows Gunner and Matt to ride together once again."