Ode to a Good Friend

I saved you.  You came to me full of parvo and covered in lice.  I knew from the moment I saw you, that you were supposed to be mine.  For the next 12 years, you returned the favor.  I had you longer than I should have and yet….it was not enough.  Please know that I am so thankful for you and for all that you brought into my life.  Your great service did not go unnoticed.

• You saved me at least 4368 times from an attack by the mailman, UPS man, or fed ex man

• You cleaned my floors after every meal
• You were so patient and kind with every tiny hand that grabbed your fur
• You swam with me, loved the water, you would jump from the boat to swim, and on more than one occasion, jumped into my bath

• We always thought maybe you had an identity crisis and were really a cat.  When you brought me the bird, that cinched it.
• You once caught someone breaking into my car and saved us, and the neighbors from future terror.

• You knew I was pregnant before I ever did.
• You laid by my bed for 12 years.  Sometimes in it, but always by me.
• You watched over me when I was sick, or sad
• You lived with me in a car for 3 full days when trying to figure out my better life
• You loved this lady for more than 50 years.  Happy golden anniversary to you.  She will miss you so much.

• And this new friend, that you play so well with. I think he truly added life to your years.

• You watched over my babies.  You loved them and made them laugh. You taught them new things and how to live.

• You have been my longest companion to date.
• You have been in my life and a big part of it every day for 12 full years.  And they were very full.
• The first time I met my future in-laws you gave them a present too, when you took a pair of my underwear out to and left it in the middle of the living room floor. I’d love to say I don’t think they saw it, however, it was kindly covered by a magazine until I could find it on my own later.
• It was you who encouraged our purchase of leather furniture…you loved playing in the snow, and mud.
• You loved to play fetch but had a hard time dropping the ball.
• You loved to play tug and in your early years with your long hair, this often worked to my advantage as we swept the floor.
• You made sure I never missed the someone at the door, your bark was louder than the bell.
• You camped with me and loved the outdoors.  You always seemed to find the only patch of burrs in the entire radius of our adventures.

• You had the best smile (or scariest not sure which, but I loved it)
• You once got your tooth caught on Stella’s collar…that was interesting.

• You once alerted us that baby Grace had diarrhea.  You would eat the grossest things.
• You saved us from unruly throw pillows.  Each and every one met their end, usually when I wasn’t home, and you always left the gift of filling all over the living room floor.
• You were the worst bone hider ever.  You would pace and stress and it was always still visible.

• You were the slowest dog I have ever seen to take a treat.  “Just take it….!!!”
• You could befriend anything and always wanted to.

• You slept on your back.  All the time.

• You were my kids best buddy.  You played with them and put up with whatever they wanted you to do.

• You would stand perfectly when getting your hair cut, but you always hated it when you would get home, you seemed to feel ashamed like you were running around naked.
• You were my friend.  My buddy.  I will really miss you pal.

End of Watch….December 12, 2015