Meeps83 (10-06-2018)
We had a neighbor when we lived in another town about 50 miles away. We lived there for about 19 years while dh was an orchard manager for a couple of big orchards. Bob was the closest neighbor we had, & became a very good friend. He had an interesting life & was quite adventurous when he was young, so had a million stories to tell, & never had to tell the same one twice. He was a farmer, & about 25 years ago, sold us 16 acres from one of the corners of his "circle" so we could plant our own small orchard.
Bob's wife passed away due to Alzheimers a few years ago, so Bob & Tuffy have been holding down the fort--like Bob said, they were gettin' to be a couple of ol' timers. Bob has had declining health, but never complained. He was an independent sort, & loved his farm, & never wanted to live anyplace else. A couple of times, he kinda seemed a little concerned about what would happen to Tuffy if anything happened to him, so we told him that if anything did ever happen to him, we would be honored to take Tuffy in & love him just like he had always been one of our own dogs.
So Tuesday night, our dear friend Bob passed away. About 10:00 p.m., he called another close friend of his who lives on another farm just across the highway from Bob. They have been friends for a very long time. Bob told his friend that he needed to come over & take him to the hospital, so the friend headed over, but Bob was already gone by the time the friend got there. So the friend called us because he said he'd called 911 but it had been half an hour & nobody had showed up yet. So dh & I told him we'd drive right over, but it would take us about an hour to get there. When we arrived, the ambulance, fire truck, & police had only just gotten there. Then we all waited for the coroner to show up--we didn't want to leave Bob's other friend there by himself because he is hard of hearing & everybody was wanting him to explain what happened. DH had to go in & get Tuffy's meds, so I'm sure that was hard. So coroner finally showed up after 3 hours, so at that point, we left. Tuffy came home with us. We didn't get home until after 3:00 a.m.
Tuffy is a fine fellow--a Lab mix, probably at least 12 yrs old. He still has a jaunty walk, but is on Dasuquin & carprofen for his arthritis. He is going to miss his farm & his rides in the truck with Bob. On Friday, I gave him what was probably hisp first bath ever, because a few days before Bob passed, he got himself skunked. The deskunking recipe from the internet worked well & Tuffy looks & smells a lot better. We took care of Tuffy here a couple of times recently while Bob had to be in the hospital for various things, & he was always so happy to get back home to Bob. I feel so bad for him, because this time he doesn't get to go home anymore. He does seems to be adjusting pretty well, & is enjoying being spoiled.
Godspeed, Bob.....you are missed.
Will try & put on a picture of Tuffy
Meeps83 (10-06-2018)
Sorry for your loss. What a good thing to do for Tuffy and the peace of mind you gave Bob that he knew Tuffy would be taken care of
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
You're good people...but we already knew that. I'm sure your offer to take Tuffy took a great burden off Bob's shoulders...he knew his boy would have a great home.
Tuffy's a handsome fella...glad you were able to get him cleaned up and indoors-desirable again...nice to hear that he's settling in. I'm sure the fact that he already knows you is playing a big part in that.
Apropos of nothing, my first dog was named Tuffy...a beige fox terrier mix (supposedly). He was given to me by my father's best friend when my father died (I was 6 1/2). I don't remember but I think Tuffy came with his name (he had been that man's puppy and I think the man felt really sad for me, made up the excuse that his fiancé was allergic and he couldn't keep him...maybe not).
I'm really sorry for your loss...it sounds like you were close friends. I'm sure he is missed. How nice that a big part of his life is continuing with you.
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
Somehow I think Bob is looking down and smiling knowing Tuffy is in good hands. Thank you for being Bob's friend, and opening your home to Tuffy.
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
You are so kind to do that for Bob and Tuffy.
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
Bob is a lucky man. I hope he was good and old when he passed away, or that comment might sound peculiar. What a blessing to know his friend Tuffy will have a home with you.
We sort of have a Tuffy too. He's a feral tomcat we put food out for. Tough Guy, aka Tuffy.
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Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
How lucky for Tuffy and Bob that you are such caring people and stepped right in to do the right thing for Tuffy. I bet Tuffy will adapt. Not that he won't remember Bob and wonder where Bob got to, but he'll have a lot of love and attention to help him heal, too. He looks like a sweet guy and not very grey for his age.
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
I’m sorry for the loss of a good friend to you and Tuffy. RIP Bob.
Tuffy looks in great shape for 12. Hugs to you all.
Stormageddon, Princess of Darkness, aka "Stormy"
Birthday 9-13-18, Gotcha Day 11-11-18
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Miss Kimber, CGC, 6/15/2005-1/27/2018 forever in our hearts
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
So sorry for your loss!!!!! Tuffy is in great hands though, and I'm sure he is grateful and will enjoy his new home.
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The WindyCanyon Girls (taken Summer 2018)
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IntCH WindyCanyon's Ruby Pink BN CD RA CC (4.5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Kanzi BN CDX RE JH (5 yrs)
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IntCH HIT WindyCanyon's Kiku A Fuji Too CDX RE JH CC (10 yrs)
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
Bless you for taking in Tuffy when his owner passed. Sad situation, but happy that Tuffy had a place to go at his age, he looks great for his age.
Mollysmomma (10-02-2018)
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