I found your picture on Petfinders. I chuckled at your funny lil smile and thought to myself….this is him….this is the dog I want for a friend for my female shih tzu. After further investigation, I learned you were already 7 years old, and a rescue that had badly abused. I knew it would be a while to gain your trust but I just had to have you.
I phoned and talked to your foster Mom and learned just how bad your life had been. 3 weeks later, I picked you up on the mainland and you were so scared. We crated you and headed back home on the ferry. I kept on talking to you and on board, I left the crate door open and you peeked out….ever so gently I reached for you, not knowing if you would bite me….but instead you let me lift you up and I put you on my lap where you fell asleep…..the bonding had started. You never did learn to pee outside all the time,
but I didn’t mind.
You relied on us and Cuddles to be your eyes as you were almost blind from the urine and feces in your eyes all those years. You became such a handsome boy with a bit of grooming and lots of love. It took a while for you to learn how to be a dog and play but you had your game of hide and seek with Dad, chasing your imaginary friend each night, the dance you did for your treat and for me it was you laying under the table while I cooked, waiting to see if something came your way, which it usually did. I cried so much when the vet said you were in heart failure, and we had about a year. But that was not to be….even with all the love and medication, I could not keep you with me….I saw it was time to let you go.
I held you so close that day and played some gentle music and you were content to just lay in my arms. We left for the vet and you stayed so calm, he even remarked on this. I swear you knew! I held you close and felt your life slip away my little man. You looked up as if you were saying goodbye and thanks all at the same time. Cuddles still is a different girl now and is always on the lookout for you.
I keep telling her.. one day, but not too soon…I couldn’t bear to lose her too. I hope Dusty and Lexi were there at the Rainbow Bridge and I know you are healthy and happy once again….thanks for letting me be your Mom, and I too will see you again one day. I put your ashes on your hill that you loved to suntan on….the place i go to think of you.
Mister Magoo, my sweet lil man,
You will always be remembered.