15 years ago today, was a Sunday. Katie had been panting and going in and out all night - and it all came together in 6 little puppies. Two were blond. Number 4 was a blond boy. A BIG boy. He looked like he should have a big old stogie in his mouth, and be sipping a glass of Scotch - no water, no ice. Cornell's Buster League - (in 'French', we called him 'Bow Tare', The Wonder Dog) he lived up to the name in size and in sweetness.When it came time to find home for the pups, we ran an ad, put up signs and called friends. You had to apply and be approved, and the pups were gone in a flash - the first weekend. Not Buster. Not a single person even looked at Buster. Not a single person considered him for a second, or even reached out to pet this precious head. NOTHING! So at six months, I quit guarding my heart and fell in love with #3 of our brood.
Such a huge ball of fluff, and gentle love I have never seen. He had a sweet spot on the side of his head, right near his ear - that was the softest thing in my world and he loved to be petted there. But in general, he never quite 'got it'...he was the only dog we had that didn't finish school. He did very well at school. Perfect in fact. But it was all show. He was just imitating the others. At home, all commands just produced a very expectant, cheerful, irresistible gaze right into your eyes, and a wiggling butt. He always slept with his head hanging off the edge of the couch. Maybe that was the problem. TOO MUCH blood flow to the brain. Never the less, he was a precious gift we treasured and enjoyed for over 12 years. Happy 15th Bow Tare. I really miss you. B.
(Photo from 1998 - left to right - top to bottom - Brindle at about 8 weeks, Beth 47, Buster 5, Bitsey 7 and Kate the mama, at 7)
