My dear readers, we need to talk about Grumpy Dog today. Grumpy Dog’s real name was Buddy and I want to honor him by name. Buddy crossed the Rainbow Bridge, overnight, the night after Christmas, 2020.
We adopted Buddy over 7 years ago, when he was 6 years old. He came to us from a rescue group. We don’t really know his backstory, but the few things we gathered are that he had previously been an only dog (wasn’t well socialized to other pets), probably owned by a single woman (surprisingly protective of me). We think he was outside (preferred outside over inside, except when the weather was very hot) and alone a lot. We think he was surrendered to the rescue group because the previous owner no longer had time for him. (We don’t know any of that. I can’t imagine having surrendered him back!) The things he loved best in life included balls of any kind, treats, car rides(!) and Papa.
2013: We had been looking for an adoptable border collie for months. We adopted Buddy five days after I started a new job. The job was very demanding and required a lot of focus from me. Buddy and Papa tightly bonded while I was adjusting to new professional demands. I loved Buddy and he loved me, but he adored Papa.
Buddy was reportedly a border collie/Aussie shepherd mix. His markings were definitely border collie, but he was stockier than a typical border collie; more broad chested, a heavier, rounder head shape, much thicker legs, big feet and he was born with no tail. I think he also had something else in his genetic mix; something big, sturdy and mellow. He had three sweet black freckles on his white muzzle. He was a really handsome fellow. He was sweet and even-tempered most of the time. Buddy never displayed the high-strung temperament of most border collies. Rainstorms made him sleepy, not frightened and frantic.
The past year was very hard on Buddy. His vision was poor
and he was nearly deaf. In early January, 2020, we noticed a large lump on Buddy’s left rear leg. It hadn’t been there three weeks earlier. It stood about 2 inches above the normal contour of his leg. It ran from mid-thigh to just above his ankle. It was putting off heat. We were scared.
The vet was not optimistic. We decided on surgery, but there were three possible outcomes and only one of those was “not bad.” We got lucky and the favorable outcome happened, thanks to the skillful hands of our vet. Buddy came home after a short stay in recovery and observation. He was supposed to be in a cone for ...was it 10(?) weeks. He hated the cone!
Given his poor vision, he got it stuck on doorways and, oh everything else. He would jerk his head around trying to get unstuck. It never seemed to occur to him that he could back up just one step and get unstuck. We got him a post-surgical suit that gave him much more freedom and made for a happier recovery.
Buddy healed as well as could be expected, but, as with elderly humans, he, too, didn’t entirely regain his mobility or stamina. He was on pain meds the rest of his life. Yet, he still followed Papa everywhere. Our hardwood floors presented a special problem for him. They were too slippery! We altered our pathways through the house, so as to allow him to stay on rugs/carpet. We got extra scatter rugs, and then some boots for him. The boots made a significant difference, but were not recommended for full-time use.
He never complained of feeling bad. We all had a happy day together on Christmas. He was sweet and devoted until his last breath. He was a GOOD BOY. His leaving was a surprise to us. I don’t remember him saying goodbye.
We found him on a small rug by the door to outside. Papa was heartbroken.
Now, a few words about Papa. He is the most emotionally sensitive soul I have ever known. He is big-hearted and loves with his whole self. We have a deep understanding of each other. We know without words which of us is more able to handle each difficulty life hands us. Tending Buddy would be my task and I willingly accepted it.
Buddy weighed 60 to 65 pounds and I couldn’t move him by myself. It was Sunday. I didn’t really know what to do... I called the pet crematorium. They would come get him, but would be 2 to 3 hours. I dragged the rug with him on it near the front door and covered him with a flannel sheet. It was all I could do at that moment.
I had to walk by him several times while waiting for the man to come. I noticed that the fur family had arranged a wake. They never left him alone from the time we found him until he was carried out. They took turns. I took a turn, too. Jingle Dog shared part of my watch with me. The spontaneous guardianship felt very Klingon-ish to me, like we were acknowledging the passing of a mighty warrior.
It reminded me of something …I (almost) remembered…. from… was it Deep Space Nine? Days later I found a less vague memory. Wikipedia helped me find the episode I sought. But I wanted the Klingon word! For that I had to dig much deeper into the internet and found https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/The_Ship_(episode) They had precisely the scene that was playing in my head. The Klingon word, ak’voh, is disappointingly unimpressive.
Nonetheless, we had observed an appropriate ritual for a mighty warrior who had fought battles rarely recognized within our sphere. He had devotedly loved and fearlessly defended two different families. He had provided consistent companionship and adoring gazes for the Love of my life when I was unable to do so, because of job demands that hardly ever abated. He had been a terrific Senior Dog and had taught well to a new generation of furries the family expectations. And, most important of all these amazing feats, he loved us without reservation. I miss you, old friend.
Buddy’s Gallery
This is Part 8 of a multi-part series named Nittens are in the House. Links to previous episodes are below. Please join me here on Thursday mornings and allow me to share my wonderful fur family with you.
- Part 1 -Nittens are in the House, -Prologue
- Part 2 -Nittens are in the House, -Ode to Nittens (Reprise)
- Part 3 -Nittens are in the House, -Chapter 1, First Exploration
- Part 4 -Nittens are in the House, -Chapter 2, Who Eviscerated the Mousie Toy?
- Part 5 -Nittens are in the House, -Chapter 3, Who are these Nittens Anyway?
- Part 6 -Nittens are in the House, -Chapter 4, Nitten Games
- Part 7 -Nittens are in the House, -Chapter 5, Cardboard Kitty Castle
PS -I promise, next week’s diary will be more fun!
UPDATE: June 24, 6:30ish PDT
I want to thank you all for stopping by today. You have extended our ak’voh, and helped Papa and me honor our very, very GOOD BOY. I’m grateful. 💖