Remembrance of Pets Past

 

Sad news – due to a heart condition, Henry passed away last week. I’m still looking for a positive – I haven’t found it yet.

Remembrance of Pets Past

No post about animals would be complete without the Buddy and Terry love story of the century tale. It was around 1973 and our first dog, Christy had died and we were up for a new pet. The skinny is that word was out at the shelter – “If you ever bust out of here, go to Sally’s.” Sally being a good friend of mine and a mutual lover of animals.

So a little grey Lhaso Apso mix came to Sally’s door and we had a new dog! An adorable, loving dog with whom we fell in love and named Buddy. We were in our Eichler in Mt. View and life was good. Still, we felt another dog would be good for Buddy. The few we tried aroused zero interest in him. It seemed he was happy being an only dog.

One fateful day, my son John called from his school to tell me that there was a dog tied to a post and was about to be taken the pound. Could he bring her home? Yes – John was carrying her – a little black terrier poodle mix with a rope hanging down from her neck. We put her down in the atrium and Buddy was showing interest. We opened the door and he greeted her, tale wagging and led her to his room (the laundry room) right out the pet door for a lap around the pool and then back in through the pet door to show her the kibble dish and water which they lapped up together. Wow! It was a love match.

Because of her mix, she was named Terry (more appropriate than PooPoo.) Terry grew and so did the relationship with Buddy. She became bigger than him and also became the bossy, nagging wife. When she yipped he jumped, happily. But………when they were at the beach, Buddy was in charge. He had no fear of the water and rushed into the surf while Terry watched in fear from afar. He was finally the macho guy he aspired to.

The years went on and then the divorce. Life changed, but Buddy and Terry’s relationship became stronger – I was working and gone a lot. Throughout it all, they had each other.

Though Buddy was older and had a heart condition, Terry died first. Buddy lasted another year without her, but then he too succumbed – I really think he died of a broken heart. I understand – a little part of me leaves whenever I say goodbye to my pet.

Now begins the years of unexpected affection for cats!

Henry’s comment: This is my last post. Because of my heart condition, I will be going to the big scratching post in the sky or………... perhaps I’ll come back as another cat (hopefully to OTD’s place) or………... maybe a lovely peaceful sleep. All good.

Love,

Henry