Oct. 10 1988 —– May 21 2000
Rottweiler
It was a cold winter day in February of 1989 when my lover and
I noticed a malnutrition and wet puppy sleeping on a frozen
and burnt-out mattress across the street from where we lived
on Buchanan Place in the Bronx.
Sad to see this companion animal in such a state we coaxed
him to follow us home.
There he met our German Shepherd Lady Amber
and the two became close friends.
Little did we know that he suffered from Grand Mal Seizures.
Yet despite his impairment he was able to warn me of my oncoming
seizure attacks. As time passed he became my ambulatory assistant as
I was having problems with MS and bilateral ACL tears in my knees.
Then my vision started to deteriorate and Bruce decided that
he would be my guide. He shared all these responsibilities with his
trusted friend Lady Amber.
Then came 1999 and all the grief and trauma with it.
On January 18 of that year Lady Amber passed away and Bruce was left
without his long time companion. One month later February 18 Bruce
was attacked by a badly trained Pit Bull while he was walking with me.
The incident left him with an imbalance to his hind quarters; and
it always looked as if he were sliding into first base as he walked.
At that point he was placed on semi-retirement for he still wanted to
be a Service Canine. So I decided to only work him once a week
as he tired easy. However work consisted of going on a bus to
Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and having fun; but as far as he was
concerned he was taking me to the park and ensuring my safety.
Things were going along nicely and he was now assisting me in
training other canines for other disabled people.
Then on the evening of May 8 2000 Bruce was once again attacked by
two owned Pit Bulls and despite everyone’s efforts including his,
he died on the evening of May 21 2000 around 9:00pm.
He will be viewed on May 25 2000 at 10:00am at The Hartsdale Pet
Cemetery and Cremated after.
His remains will be side by side with his favorite girl Lady Amber.
As for me I lost my heart and soul when he died.
My road to emotional recovery is nowhere near.
May God protect and bless you Bruce.
Syndia – Gregoria
Morales- Escobar
| Bruce |