Buck

4/11/2008

My sister’s husband, Jeff, is serving our country in Iraq. His best friend for the last 16 years is Buck, a mangy loyal mutt. Old age was catching up to Buck. I think he was having strokes and was incontinent. He was old and getting older in a hurry. One of the last things my sister said to Jeff before he left for Iraq was, “I’ll keep Buck alive until you get back.”

My sister called me yesterday. She was crying. Buck died. She felt like she let down her husband and Buck — she didn’t. Buck wore out.

I got this email from Jeff just a couple of minutes ago:

BUCK

12/31/92-11/03/08

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of BUCK Winter. Yesterday he lost his fight with old age at 16.

He will be remembered greatly for his escaping abilities, ball fetching skills and the fact that no food was ever out of his reach. He has traveled more places and seen more things than most dogs could ever imagine, from Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and of course New Jersey; he happily left his mark all over this country.

He was there for the tough times and the good times to offer his love when his family was down. His home security and protection of his family will go unmatched for years to come. Remembering the numerous search missions (sometimes involving many police and ems organizations) was always a good time to bring friends and family together for the cause. His “talk to the paw” attitude showed he will do his own thing and enjoy life to the fullest (kind of like his Dad) and make life fun for those around him.

We all have great stories and fun experiences with Buck – so have a beer for Buck and remember the fun times. He is survived by his dad and all of you that he called family. He will be missed! Rest in peace my puppy.

My heart goes out to Jeff and my sister. I’m going to take Jeff’s advice and have a beer for Buck. Maybe the next time you’re tipping one back you’ll think of Buck too … or maybe one of your four-legged friends that went on before him.

Like Jeff said, rest in peace, Buck.

There are 2 comments in this article:

  1. 4/11/2008Reid say:

    My thoughts go out to Jeff, and your sister. And I will indeed have a beer in Buck’s honor.

    And give some extra strokes to the four-footed members of our family, because this time comes for all of us … and sadly, waits for no one.

  2. 5/11/2008CitizenX say:

    Thank you for sharing this story about Buck.

    It hits home with me.
    Our beloved Ranger is on the outs.
    In order to prepare my D for the inevitable
    I allowed a back-up dog into the house
    “Buster”

    Buster has almost eaten an entire
    soft leather winged back chair
    .. with matching ottoman.

    Ranger is a soldier
    rescued from the shelter like Buster.

    I laid on the floor with him tonight
    and even though he can no longer hear
    I talked to him with my lips against his head
    so he could feel the vibration.
    He gets this.
    Loves this.

    I raise a glass in Buck’s honor.
    All good dawgs go to Heaven

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