Love letter to my Buddy on her leaving us

Today I said good bye to you, Buddy, because it was time. You couldn't do anything you loved to do and you big heart was giving out finally. You were 14 years and 15 days old. And I loved every one of those years and days.

You never put your teeth on any one ever and you were the best through all the last things we asked you to do. Okay, when you were 8 weeks old, you peed on my Xeroxes of the Masques of Ben Jonson but they probably deserved it.

You were so gentle you let parrots ride you like a hairy surf board, even that little prick, George. He WAS a pain in the ass. You let my rescue kittens sleep on you and even let them suckle until they got those teeth in. You never snapped at a single, annoying one of them. I still can't believe that.

You helped me get over agoraphobia when I thought I was stuck with that forever and went with me everywhere since you were old enough to sit through a fifty minute lecture, which is more patience than most college freshman have. You went with me everywhere -- on buses, on street cars and even to those horrendous baby showers when my cousins were reproducing.

We used to start every day with a long walk at Point Isabel in Richmond and you'd swim no matter the weather like a little blonde seal. Every night we'd take long walks in the Berkeley foothills and you didn't care if I listened to music the whole time. You were reading the sidewalk as if it was the New York Times.

You didn't have a mean bone in your body. You used to wait in line behind uppity cats at the water bowl. I guess if you could put up with me, seven cats weren't all that challenging. You calmed Doug down when nobody else would or could. It was like magic.

Thank you, my dear Buddy. I named you "Princess Buttercup" for the AKC paperwork but you were always our Buddy. No pretension could outrank your innate grace or generosity. I was so lucky that you lived with us. When I took you off the hands of that overwhelmed cop in Sacramento, I thought I was buying a dog. What an ass I was. Our whole family and all our friends loved you, too, even the guys that thought you were a dog.

Go, run, fly, swim.

and love to you, sfexpat2000, my friend. :hug:

:cry:
:hug:

Sounds like a great pet.

And a great owner...I'm sure you made her very happy.

anchovies. :)

I, too, wish you safe passage, wide open fields, plenty of sidewalks to read, and eternal peace.

And sfexpat2000, I wish you peace and healing at the loss of your friend. What a beautiful eulogy you have shared with us.

:hug:

Even in a good way.

:toast: to angels among us, SeattleGirl.

:hug:

:cry: My your Buddy rest in peace. :hug:

She sounds like one very special girl.

Sending hugs your way...saying goodbye to our furry friends is never easy. :hug:

PS: My dog's name is Buddy.

and, man, I can't believe I got to live with her for 14 years.

I'd smile right here if I could.

lol

It is so beautiful........

The love you have for your wonderful, special Buddy is incredible......

Safe passage, Buddy.......... :cry:

And for you, my dear sfexpat........:hug: :cry: :pals:

And don't forget........That which is remembered, lives.......

:hug:

May Buddy Rest in Peace and may you find the peace that passes all understanding. Memories you share will keep your Buddy alive in your heart.

:hug:

aA

:cry:

Much DU love to the both of you.

:cry:

I'll keep coming back to it.

When Buddy came to live with us, I was a single mom of two, count 'em, two pre-pubescent boys and a grad student at Cal. One stressed out day, I looked up from grading papers on Sproul Plaza and noticed there were all these yellow dogs under my peers' tables. I thought, damn! I need one of those. Sort of like a 70 lb. Valium.

And, that's exactly what Buddy was. She helped me smooth out the rough edges in a way I had NO CLUE that a companion dog could do. All you had to do was return her gaze and your whole musculature relaxed.

She was also a huge lover of 40s pop tunes. lol

RIP Buddy :grouphug:


Flippy~~1960-1977

There's a part of me that is frantic. Another part of me just thinks, wow. She was right here, with US, for all those years.

:hug:
:grouphug:

to a very special...buddy.

I'm sorry you lost your cherished companion, sfexpat2000. She gave you so many great memories...she was truly one of a kind.

Bless her, and you, for all those wonderful years. :hug:

I know it must be tough. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.

We've been putting off the inevitable for the last couple of months.

Our daughter is a student at Cal and we're in SoCal and we're just

trying to keep "Summer" going until at least Christmas break so she can spend time with her.

:(

:)

Sounds like you made the world a better place. Happy Trails. P.S., you have a cute nose and look like a ham. Bless you. I know your Daddy will miss you.

it was about two weeks ago to the day you came to give kind words to the thread about my furry friend leaving my family. I'm so sorry and know you're in my family's thoughts. :grouphug:

:grouphug:

Another happy critter leaves the earthly leash for a world without collars,
where instead they wear the hearts of those who love them.

Sounds you were much blessed, a life worth celibrating. :party:

namaste,
-s

:) :party:

I'm so sorry. :cry: :hug:

were set up like bowling pins.

She was so careful, lol! She didn't knock anyone over.

I taught my cousin Ella (four at the time) how to
get Buddy to sit n stay.

That was it, Buddy was in!

:cry:

You've touched my heart sfexpat2000. My deepest condolences to you and your family. :hug:

a lovely tribute to your friend, sfexpat. i am sorry for what you're experiencing. :hug:

wouldn't whine so :)

and I wish for Buddy a peaceful journey. :hug:

:hug:

Many hugs for Buddy, and for you.
:grouphug:

:cry:

I believe we both needed 'em.

Many thanks.

:grouphug:

Not even time will fill the empty spot in your heart.

I feel like the Grand Canyon just appeared in my livingroom. Oh well. I guess some things you just walk through even if it feels like there's nothing under you.

:hug: She sounds like the sweetest dog on Earth. :hug: :cry: Reminds me of dogs I have loved and lost in the past, and she made you so happy. My heart goes out to you and to Buddy. :pals:

She was all of that. :hug:

:cry: :hug:

:cry:

:hug:

:hug:

Go with the angels, Buddy, run, jump, play and swim, eternal play and happiness you sweet furry, faithful child. Thank you for loving sfexpat & Doug so well.

Aww sweetie, you know I am hugging you - saying sorry isn't enough but the distance keeps me from doing more than offering you my cyber/spiritual hugs and love and prayers for healing. Buddy helped me, as her love of you and the calming she provided allowed you to be there for me. Thank you sweet Buddy. :hug:

May your memories and all the love help you find peace and healing now that she is gone.

You know where to find me if you need me, much love my sweet friend. Holding you tight and letting you cry. :hug: :loveya:

:cry:

I will, when this lion is all done chomping on me, lol.

:cry:

:hug:

arm around your shoulder and handkerchief/kleenex at ready.

God give you strength and comfort :pals: I love you, cher. :hug:

:cry:

:loveya:

That was a beautiful tribute. Safe passage, Buddy. :hug:

:)

your heart or your memories. You'll feel her every time you smile. I know I still do.

:)

We used to call our dog Scott "Boo". After he died (he was 13) a car just like ours turned up in our neighborhood for about 3 or 4 weeks. The license plate said just, "Boo". Then we never saw the car again.

turning into a water park.

:cry:

I am so sorry on the loss of your companion, but don't have to tell you to remember the good things - you already have accomplished that!

I know how it is losing such a special part of your family.

:hug:

it's like your leg is gone or your shoulder or part of your face. Well, if this is the price for all those years, it is what it is.

:hug:

Take care; I hope she's swimming with my little blonde seals, Scott and Zelda.

and they are swimming machines.

:)

I am now in tears... Princess Buttercup - Buddy had such a lovely face! Its funny how our little angels can see our most fearful places, and give us the strength we need to overcome those fears. They love us 'just because'. And that's why we love them back so fiercely.

Your tribute to her is touching and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. I'm sending you lots of hugs: :hug: :cry: :hug:

:hug:

your beautiful tribute shows how much. You and she were very lucky to have each other.

Their little spirits go on..I firmly believe that. She's young again, running like the wind, her ears flying, doing that lab sniff/whiff, playing and being free.

:hug:

for a few years and, lol, it was a nice place but no dogs were allowed on the beach!

What the HECK kind of beach is THAT? We moved back up north mostly for Buddy. Word.

:hug:

When we lived near Lake Michigan, we took our old guy there shortly before his last surgery. No dogs were allowed but it was before season and we decided to take the chance.

I can still remember saying to my husband..OH LOOK..it's a picture of a german shephard with the no sign..I guess it's ok for Labs. ;-)

I can sure tell how much you loved Buddy. I can picture your Buddy and our Rocky and all the rest playing dog games and chasing each other and splashing around.

SEPARATE LIFETIMES

We who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our
own, live within a fragile circle;
easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps,
we would still live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only
certain immortality, never fully
understanding the neccesary plan....

--- Irving Townsend ---
"The Once Again Prince"

FOUR FEET

I have done mostly what men do,
And pushed it out of my mind;
But I can't forget, if I wanted to,
Four-Feet trotting behind.

Day after day, the whole day through--
Wherever my road inclined--
Four-Feet said, 'I am coming with you!'
And trotted along behind.

Now I must go by some other round--
Which I shall never find--
Some where that does not carry the sound
Of Four-Feet trotting behind.

--- Rudyard Kipling ---


i must have seen you and Buddy at point isabelle --
i used to come there with my boy sport.

peace be with you. cause there is nothing like the love of a good dog.

Bay Grit didn't require a daily bath. You just kept a towel in the car and brushed it off.

The Point was my testing ground for my dates. I'd take them there. If they couldn't take the doggyness, I sent them on their way, lol.

It was a great place to be a dog. :)

would collect beach glass.

i am such a girl.

:)

I still miss being in the East Bay.

:toast:

Please say hi to Woof, Daisy, and Honey for me. I miss them all so much.

Peace and low stress to you Buddy. God Bless:patriot:

That just reaffirms my belief that animals are a higher life form than we are.

You were both lucky to have each other. Safe passage Buddy!

:hug:

Doug says in his last life, he was a very bad dog and that's why he came back as a comedian.

:)

:hug:

:grouphug:

I'm so sorry for your loss, Sfexpat2000. You're a decent, selfless person for letting Buddy go peacefully. :hug::hug::hug:

Thank you, sweetie.

Hmm. I just realized that I'm listening to the same music I used to take on our night walks. It was so funny, because I put a big ol' thick chain collar -- the kind with prongs -- on Buddy and she looked so scary, I could walk any hour of the day or night without fear. I had to be careful not to let her get too close to scary looking guys, though, because she was likely to lick them and then, her cover would be blown.

:rofl:

it'd mean you have no heart. Selflessness means doing what's best even though it hurts like hell.

Wish I could give you a real hug and a shoulder to cry on. :hug:

I had a dog that I thought would never hurt a flea until an old boyfriend, jokingly, put his hands around my neck as if to choke me. Ralph growled a warning, then went straight for his crotch. Fortunately he didn't bite him. When the ex let go and jumped back, Ralph eased off.

Good for Ralph.

Maybe that's why Buddy thoroughly inspected my boyfriends in, ah, every situation.

lol

:)

She was lucky to have you.

Be safe, sweet guy! :cry:

As a fellow dog lover, I can imagine what your friend meant to you, and the significance of your goodbye. I'm so glad you had your time together. You will miss her so much, but her being in your life will only be for the good, including her passing. If I still believed in god, I would believe that dogs were sent here to help us and teach us and to love us unconditionally. Now that I type that, it seems like they might be a little bit of expression of god him- or herself. Surely there's nothing more fundamentally beautiful than a dog.

Now, I'm just too tired to feel that way.

My family has been calling me all day with condolences and with memories: Buddy dashing into the surf; Buddy teaching a baby how to play catch; Buddy being patient with a nosy kitten; Buddy being in the office ahead of the staff.

My arms hurt from no Buddy. I expect, they will for a while. She's at peace and, it helps to know that.

Tough to lose a dog, it is.

Redstone

:)

My girl was my heart. I'm surprised I'm still here, we were so much of a piece.

Okay. Next time I up and love something, I want a warranty.

:)

Dogs are more than pets, and Buddy was far more than you ever imagined, and I can't imagine the loss you and your family are going through. Thank you for your poignant last letter to her with my sincere condolences.

:hug:

No, on the loss of a member of your family.

My best to you and yours in this time.

Isn't it amazing what our fury friends can do for us? I am continually inspired by the lil orange cat I found about 18 months ago. He was just a sack of skin and bones running along the road. But he held his head and tail high and seemed to be looking for a friend.

Well he found one in me. Yet it is he who is my hero! If that cat can have no home, scroungy fur, and an empty belly, and still have a positive attitude, then what the hell can stop me? Nothing!

I swear that cat is the toughest critter on the planet.

peace. I've seen her irritated but never angry, never really frightened. She was centered and deliberate and had tons of goodwill to pass out to people. I've seen people visibly calm down as they pet her. I know, I did.

So much we can learn from these guys. I'm glad you found each other, HuskerDU. :)

ready to go for a swim, I just know it :hug:

because I could really use that comfort.

But, if I'm wrong and there is, I will be there with a towel and a treat.

:hug:

life. Just keep Buddy in your heart as long as you live -- she will live through you. That's what I believe about people, too.

RIP to Buddy plus all our previous pets: Bambi, Dolly, Buffy, Spicy, Lucky, Danny, Terry, Toby and others (Jeeze, we were stuck on "y" endings, weren't we?) These don't even include my husand's pets -- pigeons, chickens, dogs and cats.

Their life spans are shorter than ours -- I think I'd be upset if I had to figure out who would take a dog after our demise.

May your heart be healed as soon as possible, but always carry just a small part of this loss -- to remember. For me, when I see a Boston Terrier or a blond Cocker Spaniel, it's still very hard.

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Oregon

I think, I'm refreshing the cats' water, hafta do Buddy's -- and then, remember, I don't. I keep thinking I see her out of the corner of my eye, just like I did last week, just beyond my sightline when I'm sitting at my desk.

The thing is, Buddy was always WITH me. I took her to work with me when I worked at the college and she's never been left for one single day in a yard or something while I worked. She was that much part of my daily routine.

My sons came over this weekend to be with me and to lookit all the photos of Buddy we put together over the years. My mom is on the floor. Buddy babysat her for two years when she outrageaously moved to a ranch all by herself and needed back up. :)

This will take time, I know. I feel like part of my face is gone or a leg or something. But, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

:hug:

They are the souls who truly deserve a heaven.

And I'm sure Buddy is there, waiting for the day he'll be with you again.

:hug:

Bless Buddy, and you.

And, damn, what a great friend she was. I still can't believe I got to have that. lol

Thank you, Habibi. :)

I can tell that he lived a very happy life in a loving family.

meant to all of us. My poor Mami is hurting.

Well, it's that hurt from loving. That one.

We need more santos.

:hug:

:hug:

There is a price for loving or being loved this much. That's okay. Or, it will be okay.

:hug:

all I can offer is :grouphug:
and condolences......
My babies are our life. They make us laugh and smile.......


lost

We're lucky to have them, aren't we?

:)

:cry: