Baxter Black Brack 7/21/98 – 3/17/12
When the lady who raised him from a pup became ill and could no longer keep him, Baxter decided that Debbie and I were a pretty good second choice and so he adopted us. I did the best I could for a little over six years to try to be as good a friend to him as he was to me and I think that I did okay — at least he never once complained.
Oh, he would pout a bit on occasion, like when I would go somewhere in one of the cars and NOT take him with me — in which case he would park himself by the front door (that goes into the garage) and try to make himself as flat as possible to cover as much floor as possible, so that when I came back I would have to practically trip over him just to get inside. And he would do a similar trick, whenever he needed to take a nap, I’m not really sure how he did it but he could manage to block at least three doorways with his body, so that there was no way that I could sneak by without him noticing.
And of course, if I was doing something in the yard or out in my shop, he was ALWAYS there to help — so it was about as big a surprise to me as I’m sure it was to him when he decided to leave me forever this morning. I know in my heart that he didn’t want to and I could tell that he was as confused about it as I was.
I can take some solace in believing that he didn’t really know what was going on — and I can tell anyone reading this that no matter that you know it’s going to happen (someday) and no MATTER how prepared you think you are for the final moment — YOU WON’T BE!
It just going to take some time — A LOT OF TIME — and I fully expect to continue to see him in the corner of my eye or his shadow and I walk around the place — and I expect that to go on for years. But, as to the question of “is it worth all of the pain?” — the answer is an nequivocal YES!
I’ll see you again Baxter, when I get there I know you’ll be waiting for me — probably by the door.
Love,
Richard
ps, This happens to us all because dogs just don’t live long enough. For my friends in the Fort Collins/Loveland area who might have a similar need, and I cannot recommend this outfit highly enough. Extremely caring people and very, very nice!!!!!