"Swifter than an eagle; stronger than a lion"

"How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! "Ruprecht lay
slain upon his high places. I was distressed for him, my friend
Ruprecht; very pleasant he had been to me.

"How are the mighty fallen, and the dogs of war scattered!"

Ruprecht was ambushed by a pack of wild dogs (this was about 6 weeks
ago).

Where I live, there is an old landfill somewhere nearby (so I hear) and
these dogs live at the landfill, but occassionaly wander into our
neighborhood.

I heard Ruprecht fighting these dogs (I was awake, and I jumped out the
door with a fireplace poker)...it was 3 in the morning.
Sure, one on one, Ruprecht could have beaten them, he was at least 20
LBs, and he was wise.

The dogs ran away, I carried Ruprecht inside; but I could tell they had
broke his body. I held him while he passed, there was not time to get
him to a vet; I tell ya, he did not suffer, he was so quiet and just
stared at me...he slipped away gently.

I will always remember him; he was so alive; so intentional.

Thanks for listening.