Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Almost sixteen years ago, when I had just gotten serious with my girlfriend-now-wife, I was introduced to a little bundle of barky fluff... I named her Huang Doudou (Yellow Tofu bean)...

My girlfriend had just returned from visiting her aunt and told me she had special surprise for me... My toxic masculinity immediately jumped to lingerie and sandwiches (not necessarily in that order).. But instead I was handed a tiny puppy...

She demonstrated her love by immediately attempting to rip through my thumb... And I was hooked... Carried her around in a pocket until she was big enough to keep up... And endured some rather interesting fights with my paramour until it was properly established that dogs can sleep on beds

She was one if my rocks during the early days when I was struggling with language, culture shock, and alcoholism.... The number of great memories a dog can impart is quite beyond count....

My favorite is when I would lay on the floor and blow at her... She would jump on me and try to smother me... My wife remembers the time she chased a German Shepherd around the park after it scared her (my wife, not the dog)...

She's a Japanese Chin (although the species originates in China....Quite an interesting story there) and their lifespans are usually around 12 years.... Back when we finally decided to have a child one of our greatest regrets was the thought that our daughter might not get to meet her.... At 12 years old she was already experiencing health issues...

Luckily she overcame then and came to spend three wonderful years with my daughter... Indeed, my daughter refers to her as her older sister... And often insists that they eat together

This past week the weather turned... During the warm summer months she was able to enjoy long naps and relative good health... Although the arthritis had limited her mobility and she was going blind.... Suddenly she was unable to stand and in almost constant pain...

Yesterday my daughter started preschool... And it was joyful to hear her tell her sister about the teachers and students...

This morning she stroked her head and told her she loved her... Then we took her to school... Afterwards my friend (a vet) came by.... I held her in my arms... And cried as the life left her.... It was gentle... And I'm glad she spent her last moments at home...

Her ashes are in my study now.... And my daughter has had her first real experience with loss...And my wife has cried a few dozens times....And I'm on my third beer...

As much as it hurts, I can't imagine how the last 15 years would have been without her in my life... Sometimes the greatest blessings can rip a person apart... And pain can be so bitter sweet...

(The pictures are from an album I had made when she was just three years old)

Tiptop789 Loc: State of Denial

I'm very very sorry she passed away. She was lucky to have lived her life with you, someone that loved her and made her happy as much as you did. Nothing will make the sadness go away. I would encourage you to think about another puppy. They're a lot of work but the rewards of a loving pet are returned 10 fold. I've been thru this numerous times, I guess just a sad part of life with a dog. They're circle of life is small. Mine only lasted 10 yrs (large breed). Seems incredibly short, but for my family, they were 10 happy years with lots of fun filled memories. Please consider another puppy, don't deprive yourself the joy because you think your familiar with all the twist & turns in the road. You might be surprised and discover a new path. Again, I'm so sorry.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Thanks.... And thanks... It's good advice... Other than my first year in China I've never been without a dog.... We're thinking a puppy would be a good addition to Christmas....

permafrost Loc: Minnesota

Beautiful Pup, Kyle..

Nothing else on earth like a dog..

We have had many and of them all one stands out..

A yellow Lab who seemed to know when a person was hurting..

I had a bit of a problem and he would sit with me and gaze at me as if he knew I was due for surgery..

It hurt deep down when a year later he had his own crisis and did not survive..

This dog can not be replaced in my opinion, but the new dog is very good and while not a replacement he is a prize..

Tiptop789 Loc: State of Denial

That sounds like a wonderful idea. She is a very pretty dog and looked very happy. She was smiling at you while you took the picture. It's funny how you can communicate with a dog. We learn the meanings of different barks & body language. I often think whose really in charge. When eating something tasty, my dogs will stare at me & I think they're They're doing a mind meld commanding me to share. Dogs are a nice compliment to life. No matter what, they're always happy & loving. Unless that other dog or animal is trespassing on their kingdom, lol. I'm saddened, but please look forward to Xmas, it would be a new beginning and the start of a new journey.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Cheers Perm...

I have also had those moments.. When the best medicine is stroking their heads and waiting to find wisdom in their eyes...

Wonttakeitanymore

I am so sorry! I lost my two doggies 2 years ago! One was a poodle 19! The other half sharpei and half black labhe was 16! I still miss them!

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

It used to frustrate my wife when I'd come home upset and spend more time with the dog than her... But sometimes it's easier (or more cathartic) to find solice with them...

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Appreciate it.... And sorry for your losses... They make us all better for having known them

Leave the gun. Take the cannoli. Loc: Pa

Canuckus - I’m sorry for your loss. I feel your pain. Our last dog – Lucy - a basset hound, was with us for 15 years also and is now sorely missed. I’m sure many dog lovers will agree, they are not just a pet, they become a member of the family. They sense your mood and provide compassion, are forgiving and always your best friend. It’s a shame they don’t have a life span to rival our own.

Tiptop789 Loc: State of Denial

They (dogs lol) never complain. I read a poem about man's relationship with a dog, (I'm paraphrasing) it was something like a dog looks to a person the same way we would look to God.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Thanks... To be fair, they seem to pack a lot of joy into the time they're given.... There's a lesson there for all of us

SGM B Loc: TEXAS but live in Alabama now

Beautiful story, beautiful dog. We got a rescue dog 1982 (they weren't called "rescue" back then, just dog pound dogs), she looked a lot like your friend, but brown. We had no clue of her "linage" she was just a member of the family and raised my 2 kids. When I was asked what breed of dog she was I'd say "I believe her momma was a screw tail, and her daddy was a fence jumping traveling man", (think about it...) we all loved our little Suzy, unfortunately a brain tumor took her life after 16 years in our family. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was hold her as she passed on. Haven't had a dog since 1998, I think it's getting time to consider another. I hope we can find one of the same "breed".
SGM B out

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

I've always thought that they were proof that love and loyalty was a universal constant

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Thanks.. It's good to laugh.. Although I'll admit there was a tear or two as well...

I think it's a rare person who regrets bringing a dog into their life... And I'd worry a lot about that person...

I like this breed as well... Lots of personality and they do well indoors (part of their history)