As a puppy he was a chick magnet at the ball park for Tanner. He was glad to help... he got lots of attention helping Tanner met girls. He was on a monthly grooming schedule and strutted his stuff after a visit... but gave me the stink eye when I took him to his appointments.
If we went out of town he would snub us for hours when we got back. So mad at us for not taking him.
He always had his independence with the convenience of a doggy door. Coming and going as he please. He loved not having to ask or wait.
He was 9, when we got Belson, and he became a big brother. He was extremely annoyed and bothered by the hyperness of a new puppy. Just when he was getting use to a quiet house with Tanner and Katie both moved away to college, Belson became his new playmate. We think that Belson kept him young.
Over the last few years of his life, he became the old dog. Sleeping all the time and not wanting to be bothered much. Occasionally he would play, but not often. His tail hadn't been held up in years and we noticed that he stared off into the distance.
He got to where he couldn't hear or see. And he became dependent on us to help him outside and bring him back in. He was letting us know he was ready to say goodbye.
So after 15 years I fixed him a steak dinner and gave him two chocolate chip cookies. Katie came over and loved on him and took pictures. Matthew came over too and loved on him, telling him goodbye.
Dennis, Tanner and I were with him when he fell asleep. He was ready. He had been loyal to us and loved all of us his whole life. We were his forever home.
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| Alex years ago getting loved on my Katie while Belson waited for his turn |
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| Taking a nap on the back patio |
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| When we brought Belson home. |
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| Alex reading a book. :) |