RIP Buddy

When I started blogging, one of my first posts was about our newly acquired OLD dog, Buddy. And I compared his arthritic hips to Damian's. Click HERE to read it.

We found Buddy through Craigs List. The owners were going to put him to sleep and we rescued him from death. We have loved this gentle, sweet guy for 14 months.

Today, Buddy moved on to greener pastures. Namely, Heaven.

We put him down this afternoon. His hip dysplasia was getting very painful for him. He bore his pain like a champ, though. He always came running when the kids came off the bus, visitors arrived, or anytime we went outdoors. If the deck was wet, he'd still come running and then slip. He'd land hard, sliding into things/people. People were wincing right and left as they watched the poor beast hobble around our yard. Sometimes, we'd check his location, sneak out the opposite door and tiptoe to make an escape, just to spare Buddy a greeting.

Buddy, we'll miss you. You are irreplaceable.

I hope.

Although Damian told the kids tonight that the next dog we get will be an indoor dog and a puppy. I felt like shooting myself. Or him.

I said, "What's wrong with an OLD, outdoor Dog?" Everyone yelled at me saying, "THEY DIE!!"

I think they're the perfect kind of pet. Is something wrong with me?

I do have one regret. We never got a family photo that included Buddy. Dang it.