Replies

He was my most trusted, faithful companion. He was the love of my life and the best cuddle buddy I’ve ever had. He was kind, gentle, considerate to all, human or animal. He loved others and made friends quickly. One day, ‘’Cricket’’ sat at a distance watching ‘’Bubs’’ eat his supper. Bubs ate his fill and then stepped aside, looked at Cricket, looked at the dish, and encouraged Cricket to come and eat. Cricket had such a look of shock and surprised on his face because another animal was being so kind to him. Though Cricket lived among 5 other dogs, none of them were his friends. But, Bubs befriended him.

At first, I thought I’d overfed Bubs and so the next night, I put less in his dish. He ate, but left just the right amount for Cricket, and again, he encouraged the little dog to come and eat...from Bub’s own dish even! On the third night, I put even less food into Bub’s dish, and once again, he saved the same amount of food for Cricket. That’s when I realized that his kindness was no accident. It was intentional. From there on in, I made sure Bubs had his fill, and there was always enough left for Cricket. How many dogs will eat less, so another can have his fill?

Bubs loved to be a good friend. The smaller the dog, the more Bubs loved. He taught puppies how to play and not be afraid. He’d get down on his belly and pull himself along to play with the pup, so that he wouldn’t be large and intimidating to the baby.

When a human baby came into our home, Bubs would sniff that baby from head to toe and everything in between until he was satisfied that he ‘’knew’’ that child. I would whisper in his ear, “”Bubs, that’s a NO’’ and he’d look at me, turn his face and walk away to lie down. Never did he approached the baby’s until he was satisfied they were big enough to play. He only had to be told once, kindly and gently, that something was a ‘’NO’’ and he never bothered it again.

For years, he pulled a wagon so our little girls could go for a ride. He was so proud to ride those kids around. He held his head high and pranced with his feet like a miniature show horse.

After 14 years of faithful, loving, kindness, he began walking on the tops of his feet, and his tongue couldn’t find the water in the bowl. The lymphoma cancer had invaded his brain, and he was in pain. No longer could he cuddle with me in my bed, although he tried..it hurt too much.

It broke my heart to have to take him to the vet...he was so afraid of them. But, out of love and faithfulness to my very best friend, we did our best to take away all suffering and pain.

He was burried at home with his collar, his leash, and his cookies..his three favorite possessions.

One night I had a dream. I heard a dog barking and it sounded like Bubs. Focusing on the bark, I could see him in the distance on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, playing with joy in the green grass of Wyoming. He was free, shiny, healthy, and happy. He was thanking me for his freedom and for giving him a good life. He’ll be waiting for me when my time comes.

Bubs was a pitbull.