One of the best little critters that ever owned us was Ol' Buddy. My mother-in-law got him about a year before she fell and broke her hip. Ruby's health started a downward spiral on that day. She was in the hospital for weeks. While she was recovering, I had to take care of Ol' Buddy who HATED ME, and wanted me to die a painful death...something involving rusty spikes, or maybe rabid spiders.
But during the weeks his mama was in the hospital, I had to stop by to feed him and let him out to do his business. Over time, he gradually came around and tolerated me.
When she got back home, Ol' Buddy was thrilled to see her. But after a few days, he kept getting underfoot and she was afraid he would make her fall. She asked if we would consider taking him.
By then I'd become attached to the little mutt and so we agreed. He lived with us for eight years until he got cancer. Losing that little dog broke my heart.
He died four years ago today. I miss that little critter.
To read a blog I wrote when we first got him, click here.
But during the weeks his mama was in the hospital, I had to stop by to feed him and let him out to do his business. Over time, he gradually came around and tolerated me.
When she got back home, Ol' Buddy was thrilled to see her. But after a few days, he kept getting underfoot and she was afraid he would make her fall. She asked if we would consider taking him.
By then I'd become attached to the little mutt and so we agreed. He lived with us for eight years until he got cancer. Losing that little dog broke my heart.
He died four years ago today. I miss that little critter.
To read a blog I wrote when we first got him, click here.
Hi Rick. They do grab your heart and stay there forever. Our Dee has been gone since 2000 (wow time goes by fast) and sometimes I see her out of the corner of my eye, a brief flash.
ReplyDeleteJoy
Oh yes. They wind their paws deep into our heart strings and take a piece of us with them when they go.
ReplyDeleteOh yes they do become a member of the family quickly.
ReplyDeleteBeing connected with your mom, must have doubled your sense of loss. I can't tell you the date I lost any of my pets, but it certainly doesn't mean I don't miss them. They become a part of our lives for sure.
ReplyDeleteHe is a cutie. It is amazing how they worm their way into our beings.
ReplyDeleteSweet story, thanks for sharing it with us! But made me cry!
ReplyDeleteRoxy
They do leave a whole in our hearts when they go to the rainbow bridge.
ReplyDeleteCute story Rick. I can see a little attitude on his face. hahaa.
ReplyDeleteLia
Crap. I cant even spell my own name correctly.
DeleteSweet, sweet Buddy. Sometimes there are no words ... jus' feels.
ReplyDeleteTrust and love go together and I think this little dog learned as mush as you did.
ReplyDeleteSorry he's no longer with you.
Hugs, Julia
Dear Rick, the only dog I ever lived with was Kentucky, who grew old as my brother grew up. The two of them were inseparable. Once I became an adult, I began to live with cats.
ReplyDeleteBut the truth as I've come to know it is that whether dog or cat or canary or ferret--or whatever animal companion we choose--he or she becomes part of our family. I can just see you feeding that Slim Jim to Buddy all those years ago. He came to trust you and the love you shared was built on that firm foundation. Peace.
We miss them not because they are like family, but because they ARE family!!
ReplyDeleteOutsiders gradually become family, just as Buddy found. Sweet dog.
ReplyDeleteNothing is better than a good dog.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I know how you feel, Rick. I dread the first anniversary of Moses' death, which isn't until July. I can't even go back to Gulf Shores this summer, because it was there that i got word my critter couldn't find him. I'll never forget that long drive home. I will always miss his, just like you miss Buddy. That dog was lucky to have you and Jilda.
ReplyDeleteI have a grand dog that despises me. I try to get next to her but so far impossible. Dogs as a rule love me to death, but she is weird. I hope before she leaves this earth (or me) we get to know each other.
ReplyDeleteGood entry.
This is how sad we can feel when I read about something like what you wrote here. We never forget when a pet we love passes away. How great that he went from wanting to kill you to loving you
ReplyDelete