In Memoriam

“I was born in a ditch in the forest during a thunder storm. My doggie mother had gone outside for a potty break and when she did not return a search was launched. When she was found…there I was. She went on to have 5 more baby brothers for me in the comfort of the box prepared for her. I lived my entire life with the same family.

From the day I was born I was wild but I never wandered far from home.  I lived at the end of a quiet road in the forest for 13 1/2 years. I chased squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and skunks.  I ran off deer, bears and foxes. I was fearless and very protective of my home and family. I was never tied up or even on a leash when I lived in the forest. I could come and go, in and out as I pleased. I lived the life most dogs dream of.

Until the last month of my life I had never been really sick or gotten seriously hurt. I only got a bath once a year and only if I rolled in bear poop. And yet my fur was soft like a kitten, super shiny and glossy my entire life. I never suffered from “wet dog smell”.  I never had my nails cut because I did not need it.

I was very particular about who I chose to accept into my life.  There was only a small circle of people I actually liked. I never bit anyone but I was wary of people who rubbed me the wrong way which was pretty much everybody. But if I liked you…oh boy you knew it! I would howl with delight whenever my favourite humans came into view.

When I grew older I moved to an apartment in the city. I was very happy with that. The stairs in my old home had become a challenge. I had my fill of chasing wildlife and was ready to retire.

In retirement I finally had my human Mom all to myself. I no longer had to share treats with anyone. I used an elevator. Mom worked from home so she was all mine 24/7. I got regular full body massages as Mom and I fell asleep together in bed. Mom and I ate together too. I ate what she ate (unless she knew it was bad for me) but she always made sure there was something on the plate for me. She got a bite, I got a bite right off her fork. I always had three bowls of different dog foods available so I had a selection and yet I never gained too much weight. I lived a charmed existence and was loved very much. And I loved my favourite humans very much in return. I had a full and fantastic 15 years.”