I am an animal person. I love just about any animal I have ever known, as well as those I’ve never had the pleasure of interacting with. It’s been said I own a zoo, though truth be told, it has been reduced. I have brought my numbers to 3 boas, 3 cats and one dog. I think if you would have to name one animal I do not care for, it would have to be a cockroach. Those just plain out disgust me. While I would love to have more pets,  my present living conditions limit that wish. I want a varying range of animals,  however the first on my list would have to be another dog. I would love to have a hybrid or a bully,  I just don’t have a large enough home for anything other than my present menagerie.

The reason for this post is a somber one. My dearest and closest friend had to put his best friend of 10 years down and it is something that even I, being 300 miles away, am feeling deep within my heart. Bam was just about the most intelligent,  loyal and loving dog I have ever met. Two minutes with him and you were his. Not only did he win everyone over, he made a place in your heart almost instantly. Needless to say I was always trying to sneak him away. I would have been twice blessed to have both him and my Tobi-Wan.

Thankfully, Bam had a wonderful owner who not only loved him like a child, he gave him all he had to make sure he was well provided for. Unfortunately cancer struck and it struck hard. Bam and all his strength was no match for it. It pains me to even place this in to words and I struggle to see through the tears that flow with just the thought I will never get to snuggle with that beautiful block head. It is a hard fact to face and my heart breaks for my babe. I can’t even begin to imagine the hell I will face when it comes time for my buddy to no longer be with me.

It is impossible fathom the heartbreak I will suffer. I know there are friends and family,  though it is not the same. What most of us long for within our friends and family,  is usually found in the heart of a dog. While the love is amazing and profound with a human, the love of a dog is truly unconditional. Tobi has always been there for me and I can only hope I do not let him down. As the quote says, I want to be the person my dog thinks I am.

The day of his passing will come, as Bam’s time arrived yesterday. Yet there is solace in knowing that he will no longer be in any pain or suffering.  That he can watch over his human without enduring the confines of his body. Bam, you already are and will continue to be missed. You’re a good puppy.