Buddy, we hardly knew ye.

IN MEMORIAM

circa 2006 - January 10, 2017

Mike here, with what will be this blog's final post.

It is with deep sorrow that Jeannie and I announce the passing of Buddy, our wonderful Canine Couch Potato. Crippled by arthritis and hip dysplasia and suffering from a number of chronic medical ailments, he was gently euthanized at home around noon today. He spent his last hours and final moments lying outside on his "blankie," enjoying the warm sunshine of a beautiful day.

We were blessed with almost seven years of Bud's loyal companionship and feel that a gaping hole has been torn in our hearts. In tribute to this amazing stray dog--who in the opinion of some animal rescue experts "might as well be considered feral" and "would never be happy living in a house"--we present strong evidence to the contrary. Here are some of our favorite Kodak moments (with captions as we imagine Buddy would write them):

"Life on the run was not much fun."

"But raw sirloin steak tidbits heal a lot of wounds."

"After weeks of M and J plying me with food and drink, I let their friend Davina put this stupid lasso around my neck. Big deal."

"April 13, 2010 - My first day at home with M and J, where I immediately laid claim to their couch. Didn't even stop to take my leash off. Me--feral? Not very likely!"

"Lilliann's the nice lady who let M and J trap me in her backyard."

"I show Davina the proper way to maim a toy."

"Does this bed make my butt look big?"

"Ahh--a perfect fit!"

"Our first family portrait, as it appeared in The West Volusia Beacon."

"Friends gather to celebrate my new life as a housepet."

"My new digs came with a liveried chauffeur!"

 "On the road again . . ."

"Pardon me--was this seat taken?"

"Whaddya mean your English muffins?"

"My favorite yoga position--upward-facing dog!"

"A dream is a wish your heart makes . . ."

"I'll have the McDouble, plain--and hold the fries."

"Thang you--thang you vurra much."

"I thought I told them to hold the fries."

"Uh-oh, we're walking the plank. I'm gonna drown!"

"Can we please go back up on dry land now?"

"Ding-durn it, I said pleeeze!"

"This is better, I guess--but not much."

"All that beach combing wears a body out."

"You can call me Corporal Buddy, USMC. Semper fi and Ooh-rah!"

"I won't wear a silly hat unless I can sit beside a sillier one."

"You say it's my birthday, and we're gonna have a party?"

"Okay. Bring on the dancing girls!"

"Awww--nuts! I'm in for it now."

"When you lie down with dogs, sooner or later someone will take your picture."

"Look, J--I'm a reindeer!"

"Central Bark Dog Playground is a great place to celebrate Jenny's birthday."

"What am I supposed to do up here--tap dance?"

"How long do I hafta keep smiling?"

The Big HalloWeenie is on the march. Trick or treat!"

"I guess this makes me and Arlo BFFs. Truth be told, I'll do most anything for a daily head bath."

"Fred and Ginger came to visit, and I got to show them around. (Not Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers--the other ones.)"

"I like me some flowers. I'm just a big ol' nature boy."

"How many dogs you know look this cool in a Glengarry?"

"Honestly, what is it with me and cats? Say hello, Rocky."

"I love helping M with yard work. We take lots of breaks!"

"One of M's favorites is called coffee break."

"I don't mean to sound rude, but boy, I thought my ears stuck out!"

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

"After our walks, I get a treat on the front porch. This sure beats living rough."

Yes, it does, Buddy. And how we wish you had more time to savor it. We love you!

Note: For several years, Buddy and I enjoyed walking from our home down to a footbridge and back, a round-trip of about a mile. Usually we went farther, and often we did it twice a day. But in recent months Bud's infirmities made it hard for him to walk more than a short block or two. On January 7, 2017, to my surprise, he made it all the way to the bridge. But at that point, afraid that if I let him go across and beyond it, he might not be able to walk home, I insisted we turn back. I could tell he was disappointed.

Two days later we made it down there again, and this time I took him across--and we ended up going perhaps a mile-and-a-quarter! This would turn out to be be his final trip across the bridge. I celebrated the event with this photo, adding the rainbow colors for symbolic effect--and because who doesn't like rainbows?! Today he crossed the mythical Rainbow Bridge, and we wish him a happy journey.

Good dog!

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