I have dreaded a Day like Today.  Since the Day I realized that He only had a life expectancy of maybe 10-12 years the thought of his end came to me every once in a while, and then passed.  I feel cheated at only 9 years. 

Buddy was born hear.  He had 6 Brothers and 1 Sister.  It was an absolute joy to watch 8 little puppies grow and begin to explore the outside world.  They were blessed to be born on 5 Acres in Northern California.  Rather than tear them away from their mother at 8 Weeks, I did not offer them for adoption until they were almost 14 Weeks.  This gave them as much time as I could get away with and still find them good homes.  Buddy and his Sister Polly were special puppies.  Both followed me wherever I went.  Eventually my conversations with them evolved into a promise that they could stay. 

Together with their Mother, a black Lab named Sally and My first Dog, a Golden Retriever also named Sally (I took in Momma Sally from nephew when he moved and did not want to keep here), they were allowed to just be dogs.  They have dug more holes than I can Count.  I have had to pull my lawn mower out of one, more times than I can count.  They spent their time hunting lizards, digging up moles, chasing Rabbits and unfortunately catching a few.  Buddy, in his youth used to Tear around at great Speed.  He could do the loop around the Shop and the house in Record Speed.  He and Polly would go in opposite circles and meet in the middle of the yard for a little wrestling match or just a mid-air kiss and on to another lap.  It was truly a joy to watch but had become less frequent as they aged.  Every once in a while, Buddy got some spark and did a Lap. 

Buddy used to come to my chair and put his head against my knee.  He did not look up, he just wanted his back and tail scratched.  He would groan as his his back was scratched. 

Buddy’s kidneys failed.   The Team of Veterinarians tried for 3 Days to cure him, but he was to far gone.  I said good bye to him this morning at about 3:00 am.  I am shedding my ears this morning and loving his memory as much as I can.  I am going to miss him. 

He was my Buddy.