The patter of Buddy’s paws beneath his bull-legged stance have always been a musical note to us. They came in to our house, fast, making a quick tckckck sound as they scampered over the wood floor, onto the wool carpet and landed smack in the middle of Ginger’s bed.

…yet clearly not the last time he would plop there.
The bed was one of many, but a favorite of hers that sat prominently at the end of our, then, glass coffee table in the living room. There was a sunbeam on the pillow that particular afternoon and Buddy took to it as if it were his own.
Everyone took a breath to see the other shoe (paw) drop, so to say. Ginger, who was also ten years old at the time, had been an only child since coming home and was never very accommodating to other dogs. She saw him claim her bed, walked over and sniffed him (sniff, sniff, sniff) then, matter-of-fact, turned and walked away. No drama. No drama, yet.
It wasn’t long before his little legs were walking beside her on a tandem leash around the neighborhood and then back home where he planted himself on the kitchen rug, a place he frequented often, mostly because I was there, and so was the food.
The sound of Buddy in and out of the kitchen always stayed near me as if I had a shadow, a shadow I was most happy to have. It took him years to realize that if he stayed on the couch while I was cooking, I would still come to him offering samples. Ginger of course, had figured this out long ago and sat on the back of the couch next to Tom, watching Buddy and my every move.
Scampering to and fro. A yelp first, quietly using the inside voice, moved quickly to the bark.
That signature, all in, loud, ear-shattering bark. He knew how to be heard. No wall flower, that one, little pee-wee that he was.
But his insatiable hunger for the morsels on my cutting block, in my pan or in the oven were frantic. He wanted it all, and then he wanted more.
Especially as of late, he was frequently carried around the kitchen in my arms.

And I started to realize that we were soon one, rather than two.
But on the ground he had four legs.
They were always in the kitchen, with me.
They will always be in the kitchen with me.
Though the kitchen will never be the same again.

When there were 10
Our dear, sweet boy, in his beautiful, frail body, let go of the physical world Wednesday night,* August 23, 2017 at 5:51 pm. A perfect gent to the end, complete with a sunbeam on his silken head, resting on his favorite blanket in our laps on his favorite spot on the deck after, moments before, having spent time in that same sunbeam while resting in Ginger’s favorite bed.

“Thanks for sharing your bed Ginger”

Pals forever on “our” BuG bed

“Life with you has been unforgettable! I am a happy boy!!!”

“Thanks for the incredible journey…”

“…and the incredible ride!”

“I’ll always be near…”
*Rest in peace Laura’s dear Amber on the same day three years ago.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Thank you, it is enormous.
Stacey, My heart goes out to you and your husband as well as Ginger. All my best and love to you and your special family, Nancy
So sorry- I’m sure it will take a while for all 3 of you (Ginger included) to figure out the new normal. My heart goes out to you! Hugs!
Thanks Julie, the new normal is really going to be hard but I know it will also include Buddy’s presence near us somewhere. Hugs to you, Joe and Angie!
Stacy I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet Buddy. I know all too well the heartbreak and I can only offer you a big virtual hug and you know how much Buddy loved you and that you enriched each other’s lives deeply and profoundly. You inspire me with your dedication and love ❤️RIP Buddy angel run free and proud and watch over your family from heaven🌈🌈❤️❤️💔💔
Thank you Suzanne, I know you understand how difficult it is to go through such a loss. You too are an inspiration; if only everyone could offer so much love to their furry babies.
We are so sorry about this sad moment. Buddy will be missed by all of us. We do know what it’s like to lose a precious dog, and it’s such a great loss.
Love, Dad and Linda
Thanks Linda, I know he will be missed. Your support has been very meaningful to us. He would have enjoyed visiting you in Arizona but alas, it was not meant to be.
I’m so sorry. I hope the sounds of his zest for life stay with you forever.
Thanks Rachel, you know all too well the enormity of our loss. Buddy’s unbelievable zest for life will always be a part of our lives. I wanted you to know that we have a white butterfly that has taken up residence in our garden. I tried to capture a photo when I heard about your butterfly but it was too quick. I was finally able to get a close-up the day after Buddy passed. It was if it slowed down for me. I will share it with you.
That’s beautiful. Thank you!
I know that you’re heart broken. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
Hugs,
Tracey
Thank you Tracey, there is a hole in my heart and I can feel it down into the pit of my stomach. What do you prescribe Doc?
Same as with any grief. You have to go through it to get to the other side. There’s no doubt that it is physically painful. Practice aggressive self care. Get enough sleep, exercise, meditate, don’t self medicate with martinis, and give more attention to Ginger, who is hurting too. Will I see you at IFBC in Sacto? We are having some family drama so I could be a last minute no show but I really want to go. Hugs, I prescribe lots of hugs.
I truly know your sadness and feelings of loss..my deepest sympathies to you and Tommy and Ginger. How beautiful a remembrance, and such perfect pictures… Buddy was a very special little guy, and always will remain so. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you all…and thank you so very much for the sweet remembrance of my precious Amber. I feel blessed that they share this day. Love you all…always remember, “never think that we’re apart…for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart” ❤️❤️
Thanks Laura, you are also in our hearts. We know you understand our pain and take comfort in knowing that Buddy will have a friend in Amber to help him in his transition. That is a beautiful saying which I will hold close to my heart.
I am so sorry🌺
thank you so much.
Your special tribute to Buddy is so beautifully written and conveys the true spirit of our special guy. The photos bring back so many fond memories of wonderful times we all spent with him. He will truly be missed, but we are grateful to have had him with us along the way. Love, Lois and Bill (aka “gramma” and “grampa”)
We are so very sorry to hear about Buddy. Please accept our condolences. – Todd & Joanna
Sweet Buddy, rest in peace. Sending you love, Stacey.