If you’re like a lot of us, you’ve probably had a favorite pet like no other. Be it a dog, cat, bird, guinea pig, or a pet fly (I’ve had one buzzing around the office for days now) – there are the ones we remember (and miss) the most.
I’d like you to meet Rosie – a Husky mix with a lot of Shepherd in her DNA. We were visiting a lilac farm 15 years ago and these folks had a litter of Husky pups huddled together looking for homes.
They were free for the taking.
There was this black female Husky who placed her chin on the edge of a milk crate and glared at me. The weight of her stare was distracting. “Don’t do that, dog…” I thought to myself. We already had Fritz – a Chow mix Walmart dog also free for the taking back in 2001 to go with our new home. Did we really need another dog?
Fritz was an incredible friend, easily the greatest I’ve ever had. Fritz and I had an understanding of mutual respect. If I didn’t coheares him into something he didn’t want to do, he wouldn’t bite me. I have the scar tissue to prove it. As a pup, he slept on top of my head and assumed immediate control of his new domain. He never left my side in his 15 years. He’d sit in the office on a blanket or sit outside at the window barking. There was no ignoring him.
Dementia took our boy in 2015.
At the lilac farm, Barbara had her eye on a white Husky with mismatched eyes. I could not take my eyes off the black female – who maintained her penetrating “come hither” stare. It was a hopeless battle of wits – the black female Husky won out and was coming home with us.
Rosie was a lover. She’d rub her face against my leg with an “Oh what you do to me…” look in her eyes. Wherever I was – there she was. Rosie had her share of health issues including Mange when she was young. She had “doggie dandruff” for most of her life. Never had to sweep the kitchen floor. She was a robotic vacuum who captured every last crumb along the counters.
When Rosie had the munchies or needed to go out, she’d lay that penetrating stare on me to where you could feel it without even knowing she was there. We connected. Her senior Fritz took control the minute we brought her home. He’d follow her all over the yard, keeping her in line until she was large enough and could not escape.
Ma Man Fritz greeting Rosie as a young pup. They bonded and were the greatest of friends for years. When Fritz passed – Rosie never recovered and was never the same. Animals don’t speak our language – however, they grieve.
Rosie and Fritz were the best of buds for many years. In his last year, Fritz deteriorated from dementia and was skin and bones until he passed. When it was time, I got down on the floor with Fritz and spoke softly into his ear – letting him know how much he was loved. Our own Doctor Dave at the AV Animal Hospital is as kind and as gentle as they come. He sat with us and Fritz until our friend was gone.
Life moved on and Rosie needed a friend. Not long after Fritz passed, we adopted Sky, who got her name from our son, Jacob. Sky is a Lab mix wired for sound. A maniac with limitless energy. For every season – turn-turn-turn – a line from a song from our youth – describes the succession of dogs through the years.
Fritz passed. Rosie adjusted. Sky arrived and Rosie took on the duties of a momma dog. As you might imagine, Rosie grew old with hip problems and health issues that kept me running to the vet. A month ago, it was time to let her pass. Dr. Dave was at our side once more – bidding farewell to Rosie Girl. I always called her “Lady Girl.” As with Fritz, I held her face and said goodbye. A tearful moment on the way to others.
Rosie’s at peace now. Sky grieves and remains at my side. Life goes on.
Boomer Journey... 