April 1985 —– May 16 2000
Manchester Terrier
Pippin was an anniversary present from my husband.
I had seen him in a pet store window and asked to hold him Fell
immediately in love. He had the most sweet disposition of
any dog I’ve ever seen. He immediately became my little shadow.
He was also attached immediately to our 2 year old
Miniature pincher Jasper. Pippin was so low key that he never really
Barked and we used to laugh that his terrier license should be revoked
as he didn’t care to chase mice like our other terrier or to bark
something terriers are known for as a breed.
All Pippin wanted was to be in your lap or perched on the top of the chair
or couch behind your head…..He also insisted on sleeping on
my pillow on top of my head!
He loved car rides surfing on the console on the middle of the front seats.
He loved jasper and grieved for him when he died 5 years ago.
He loved my sister because she “baby sat” when we first
brought him home as he was so into everything!
He chewed up all my shoes and even the tv remote.
He hated all cats and would chase them so intently that he ran into fences etc.
He also liked to take on all big dogs….all 16 pounds of him!
His idea of a great time as to pounce on the fences of big dogs
when we went for a walk get them upset and barking and then trot
away tail wagging and a look of glee on his face!
He loved to entertain and tease….tearing all the squeakers out
of Jaspers toys. Pippin refused to do tricks or play with toys
he just looked at you like “get a grip” and walked away.
He liked only to play tug of war with Jasper with an old sock.
He got in the trash can all of his life and would chew up socks and
underwear from the clothes hamper.
He became ill with a heart condition the last 3 years of his life and
we spent all of our time with him. He had a huge medication schedule
and eventually weekly Vet visits to tap fluid off the abdomen.
His quality of life was excellent and he continued to do all
the things he loved. We spoiled him and lavished all of our love on him
as I never felt I could love him enough to compensate for his
intense love of me.
He died this week of heart failure at age 15.
His prognosis 3 years ago was 3 to 6 months…. He fought until the end.
I remember in the wizard of oz when Dorothy leaves to go home she
tells the Scarecrow she will miss him most of all…As I will Pippin.
I have loved all my dogs intensely and grieved the same way
but Pippin was special. His happy gay heart such a sense of fun and humor.
He loved cough drops sweet tarts and bubble gum …
the spirit of a happy little boy lived in that small terrier.
I will miss and love him for the rest of my life.
I pray to God I will see him in Heaven.
He died in my arms. Seeing the light go out of his eyes and
his last anguished breaths I told him to go it was all right and he did.
My grief is tremendous.
Thank you God for the gift of Pippin !
Carol & Rob
| Pippin |