In Memory of Buck

I wanted to take a few lines here to remember the life of a dog named Buck. I’m sure Libby won’t mind. Buck was a Chow who for twelve years was my mom’s friend and companion. She gave him a home and he helped her through the trauma of widowhood, and another emotionally devastating relationship. Although she loves her children and grandchildren, it has often been the necessity of caring for Buck that has got her up and going. She loved Buck and he loved her. During the very few times she hasn’t been home, and I cared for him, he would often look toward the house to see if she was there. It was touching and a little sad to see him looking for her. In recent weeks, Bucks gait had become uncertain and he began to fall often. Mom began to fear that he would fall somewhere that she would not be able to get him out of. So this morning, with heartbreak that only those who have had the same experience can understand, we took Buck to the vet for the last time. After watching him walk, or try to, the vet, who is a wonderful compassionate man, said that kind of damage is the result of a brain injury such as a stroke, and there was nothing that could be done for him. He also told mom that the problem is “Dogs don’t live as long as we need them to”. I have to agree with that. Good bye Buck, you’ve been a great dog, we’re going to miss you.