Thirteen years ago Megan and Brian adopted Duke from the Emmett animal shelter. Duke was on his third strike as several families had returned him, he would not stay in any kind of enclosure. This handsome black 85 pound Labrador-Airedale mix was likely mistreated as a puppy and was a bit neurotic. On that first drive home he was so anxious that he threw up several times. They had a large chain link dog run for Duke as they both worked. Early in his new world, Duke chewed his way out of the run, yes, he broke several teeth in the process and he was reported to Megan by a good citizen who saw him wandering down the street and read his dog tag. Not much wonder why he had been returned by others, but Megan loved this dog and determined a dog door, access to the fenced yard and his bed and he would gradually overcame his separation and apparent confinement fears.
On his first run through Anne Morrison park, Duke dove into the bushes and emerged with a skunk clenched in his very powerful jaws. It was not the last skunk encounter and he went on to chase deer in McCall, any furry creature in the lake, voles, squirrels, quail and especially coyotes. The dog was fearless, loving, and loyal to our entire family. Duke loved the kids and allowed any sort of hugging, riding, and petting. He walked with Karen and I every morning in the foothills with our dog MMMa, he loved the mornings and drinking from any water source. The last few days of his life he continued to walk, run when he saw a coyote, barely able to put one foot in front of the other as he finally got home. Duke was at the end of his trail. As we waited for Gentle Goodbyes to arrive we reminisced, cried and laughed with our most wonderful friend. I am guessing many of you have similar pet stories, it was great fortune to be with him at the end of his life, those big brown eyes made it clear he appreciated the company.
It was not an excellent week end for our family. Brian lost his mother, Kathy, very unexpectedly as she spent time with her horses at her ranch. Seventy one and in good health—it was a shock for everyone. I plan to tell you more about this remarkable woman next week. Please join me in expressing condolences to the Wonderlich family and their many many friends. Kathy was a kind and generous soul and she leaves a huge void in our lives.
A few dog quotes are a fine way to conclude. “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” — M K Clinton. Kinky Friedman reminded us “money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.” And Will Roger’s get the final words, “if there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
Please do not get “bumfuzzled” by any magical thinking from the White House.
Stay strong and stay safe. Megan turns 40 today, making Karen and I quite old. Please join me in wishing her a perfect day. Mike