Farewell, Buster

There's not really anything that I could say that Sophie didn't say better in her post. I'll try anyway.

Buster and I were fast friends within an hour of him arriving at the shelter. As the days went by, I knew more and more that this dog was too good, too right to let go. If dogs are mirrors of the people they associate with, Buster reflected all of the qualities that I hold dear, and obscured the ones that shame me. He was patient, gentle, dignified, and so very affectionate and eager to be a part of a real pack, a real family. And as one by one I watched a dozen fantastic dogs fall to apathy and overcrowding, I realized that I couldn't let Buster go out that way.

It was a hard decision, especially since we weren't sure that we were ready for a second dog. Even if we were able to make it work, how would Rufus react? The onset of adolescence is difficult enough without throwing another pack member into the mix.

Predictably, the first few days were a constant struggle as the dogs haggled over status. But even through a bout of kennel cough (which Rufus had shaken off about a week before), Buster kept pace with the younger dog and lent his calm, cleverness and stability to Rufus's enthusiasm and limitless energy. It was pretty much the perfect team.

Buster worked hard to be a good member of our pack. Every so often, he'd make a patrol of the house, peeking in on everyone to say "hello" and make sure everything was well. Then he'd stretch out on the futon, or run around our backyard with Rufus in search of the perfect mud puddle to decorate our house with. He would wait patiently for food, tirelessly work on commands, and dutifully sit at the edge of our hallway in anticipation of our evening walk.

He seemed to love that walk more than anything in the world; more than a game of tag with Rufus, more than a tug-of-war with me, more than lounging on the futon with Sophie. Buster missed one walk with me, the day he was neutered. After that, he always insisted on coming along. We tried to leave him behind his last night with us - his seizures were escalating and his balance was uncertain. Staggering to his feet, he plodded to the hallway with fierce determination and refused to let us leave without him.

And the next day, he was gone forever.

There were so many memories we were supposed to have together. So many adventures to recall fondly and challenges we stood bravely together through. But viruses have no use for sentimentality or nostalgia. It took Buster from us, fairly destroying him in less than a day and a half. It took away our ability to work with other dogs for the forseeable future. And we must wait almost three long, worrisome months to see if Rufus (who was thankfully vaccinated) managed to keep from falling victim to it.
.