Bucky, seven years young at his time of ascension. October 24, 2018
A friend knew we wanted a dog and she was certain she found us one. We couldn’t believe someone would give up a purebred golden retriever to the Foothills Animal Shelter. Their loss was our biggest gain in life. A friend told me about him and he was ours. It was love at first sight.
Emotionally intelligent. Gifted in human interaction. Gifted in animal communication. He understood the true meaning of empathy when anyone was suffering and how and where to show it. He was everything. Known as the ambassador or the neighborhood, all animals and humans wanted to be near him.
People have human children and love their kids more than anything. He was our kid, the only kind we will ever have. And more. He was confident in his existence making sure everyone and everything that he interacted with felt like they were the only being alive. He was tolerant of all situations and accepted them gracefully. Walked up to everyone, happy and tail wagging. He knew the things about humanity that I know I’ve been searching for my whole life. He saw it and forgave the bad and enhanced the good. He could take anyone who was hardened by life and make them feel love and acceptance for even a few moments.
He made all people feel important. He was supportive and strong. He showed us what true (no, really) unconditional love feels like. No words can even begin to describe how he changed my life and perspective. And it wasn’t just about me. He made our forever grumpy cat learn how to love and be affectionate by providing just that to the cat. He loved Justin as his father and best friend. Showing his admiration and love for every step Justin took.
When the neighborhood found out he was sick, many made regular house visits, bringing him treats and belly rubs, some even asking to take pictures with him, many with tears in their eyes. Even the UPS guys would stop by in the middle of their daily deliveries to give him a treat and see his happy tail wagging which was much more like a butt wiggle because he was so excited.
When we knew we were going to say goodbye, three of our neighbors came the morning of to say goodbye and give one last belly rub. They too, like us, were devastated at learning of his impending departure. He was special. And all dogs and animals have their gifts and abilities, but he was truly above par in that department. Not to mention how absolutely beautiful he was. He was a perfect specimen of his breed. We admired him so.
He was our son. The cats brother. He was part of this pack. And now there is a huge hole in the place of his absence.
We can only hope to have another dog with even just a fraction of his abilities, beauty, and Grace’s.
I’ve heard several people say that this is why they can’t have animals. Because the loss is too great. While I agree that the loss is great, the relationship that we have with our furry friends is one of a kind. They teach us things that many humans can’t comprehend and most never achieve. So, is it worth it? It IS worth every single tear we cry and every aching of our broken heart when they are gone. It absolutely is. Every bit of it. They are the true examples of how to be. We will always have furry friends for that reason. Make no mistake about it, that truly unconditional love is one that I believe only our furry friends can fully provide. I hope we all know that.
How lucky were we to have such a gift? The most lucky. He was an angel among us. We will miss him for the rest of our days.
Until next time and with love,
Justin, Michaela, and Largeman (cat)”