Our current dog is a Boston Terrier named Fenway Underfoot Woodard. He will be eight tomorrow and is boasting some grey hair. I watch him run through the condo, or walk along at the end of his leash and I wonder how eight years can pass so quickly. When we bought this small-ish dog Dave remarked "Do you realize we've taken on a responsibility that will probably last until our late 70's or early 80's?" It was hard to wrap our brains around that concept....so we just started enjoying our little guy.
The other day, on another blog, Julie Zickfoose sadly told her followers that their beloved Boston, Chet Baker, was gone. You could hear tears falling all across America and beyond. We've been reading Julie's nature/family based blog for years and we all knew Chet. Dave and I had dreams of driving out to Ohio in the RV, finding Julie's driveway and stopping by so that Fenway could meet him. Silly I know....but fun to think about.
Chet lived a wonderful life in a farm-like setting. He went for long daily runs, he went on trips with his parents, and to book signings and to concerts. He was much loved by his human "brother" and "sister". And he really was loved by everyone who "knew" him on Facebook or through Julie's blog.
Her heartbreaking post on August 31st was titled "Chet Baker's Last Run"....I've read it several times, tears always. The prose and the memories and the photographs celebrate a little dog's life. A little dog....a big hole in the family now.
So I offer my own inadequate toast to Chet....and to his family. I know he will be well remembered, and I know just how much he is missed. I hope the memories of the laughter that enters the home when you own a silly Boston Terrier will provide them some comfort.
I don't expect that the Zickfoose family will ever see my little blog....but it makes me feel a bit better to just remember Chet and to thank Julie, Bill, Liam and Phoebe for sharing him with all of us.
And I look at our Fenway....as our new puppy.....
...and now with his grayness showing....
...and I think...."oh slow down love, just slow down".....
Dear Linn,
ReplyDeleteI just received your beautiful card and the printout of this post in the mail. Thank you for taking the time to write and send it along. On this sad, sad morning (post Las Vegas), tears indeed are falling all across America. Chet Baker's job was to make people smile and it was my great honor to be his medium. It comforts me to know he made you smile, and I share your bittersweet feelings on seeing gorgeous little Fenway go a bit gray. (He really favors Chet here!!) Each white hair makes him all the dearer. Eight is a wonderful age. So was nine. So was 10. I know you will enjoy every minute with your dear one. I wish I could see his little feet clicking along. I miss that so much. And yet, I have so much yet to be grateful for. I just packed my suitcase without getting the stink-eye from anyone! Imagine! Life goes on. I miss him, but I'm OK, most of the time. Glad he's running free and hearing every little rustle now. Big hug. And please kiss Fenway on that nice long muzzle for me. JZ