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Thursday, September 29, 2011

A boy and his dog.

Butters, short for Buttercup, and her "dad" Brian a couple of months ago.

In Oregon, everyone travels with a dog or two, to the grocery store,  the dentist, the beach, even to the work place. Dogs behave beautifully everywhere, on or off leash, waiting patiently  in the back of a pickup. not panicking or attacking anyone who approaches them.
We have come to accept the presence of dogs everywhere.

But Butters and Brian live(d) in Southern California where it is very unusual to see dogs act so friendly and so calmly when they accompany their people. Butters and Brian were well matched in character and energy. Brian fed her a special diet of raw meat to keep her lean and fit, and devoid of allergies. Weekly, he'd take Butters to the dog beach, to chase after balls, or sticks. He walked her before going to work, and after he returned home.

Brian loved dogs. He had lost his childhood companion, a mutt called Woolly, while he was in college. For years after that, as he moved from one apartment to another, he dreamed of a day when he could move to his own house and have another dog. Two years ago, he purchased a house and a big yard. Butters, a yellow lab pup,  joined him three weeks later.

After Brian's death, we looked for someone to adopt Butters.  A young man who had been the house sitter and dog sitter  stepped up. The two of them are well matched in enthusiasm and energy. We were happy for her, and glad the young man's family agreed to the adoption.

Through the weeks when the garden was coming together, Brian's friends took turns taking her to the dog park, or around the block for her usual walks.  Butters is quite strong and energetic, and while she is quite docile indoors, she needs to run and play.

Butters will continue to remind us of what a great life the two of them had together.

(she has a facebook page!)




38 comments:

Hilary said...

What a beautiful picture of Brian and Butters. I'm glad that Butters has found a new home - someone who knows and loves her though I'm sure part of her will always remember and miss your boy.

Unknown said...

Nice photo....and a dog with a facebook page! I love it!

Lisa said...

They had each other even if for only two years.

#1Nana said...

The picture of your son and his dog reminded me of the enormity of your loss...it's somehow more real when I think about the dog he left behind. I'm so sorry for your loss.

quilterliz said...

G'day Rosaria. That is just the most beautiful photo. It is so good that Butters has a caring home and an new owner who will look after her. She would have been confused as to what was happening, but with someone to love and take care of her just like your son did, she will no doubt live a happy life.Take care. Liz...

Patricia said...

Rosaria, this post and your stories of Brian and Butters touches a chord with me. I have a son who has gathered dogs to himself. And in times of trouble and stress, often those 4 footed friends have been the most constant presence in his life. I am sure the relationship between Brian and Butters was authentic. The tapestry of life is always a mystery...but I firmly believe there are no "coincidences!" Butters and Brian were brought together for a reason. Thank you for this sharing.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria .. great photo of the two of them - even if Butters is centre stage! I'm so pleased to hear that Butters is now well loved once more - that's so important too for you all.

Glad to hear the garden is coming on ... with thoughts - Hilary

Diane said...

What a lovely photo. I am glad that Butters is being loved and it is good to hear that the garden is doing well. Take care Diane

Grandmother Mary said...

Lovely photo, Rosaria. Butters will continue to remind you of the good life your son had with her and of what a good man he was to have such love in his heart. Abbraccio, Mary

Cloudia said...

civilized Oregon!


Aloha from Waikiki;

Comfort Spiral


> < } } ( ° >

Lydia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lydia said...

I told my husband the other evening about all of your posts about Brian, his fiance, the garden, the dog, the kitty. With that as background, I will show him this post and I am sure his eyes will well up as mine are right now. Thank you for sharing these special memories with us, dear one.

(Our kitties have a new comforter to try out tonight. Hope all is cozy with sweet Newkie.)

Step-parent's Cove said...

What a touching story. It made me sad and happy. Wow!

Anonymous said...

Love that Butters and the fact that she is with someone she has known and not a total stranger. This all has to have been quite traumatic for her. Photos don't come any more beautiful than this one.

the walking man said...

Mix that lab with a pit bull and you have the rock headed ball of energy I took in. Needless to say she would not do well in Oregon...too friendly until someone displays aggression towards the wife.

Pictures though are wonderful things, they speak, they show and the keep the music of a life gone by alive.

Brian Miller said...

smiles. nice picture...butters sounds like a wonderful friend...and love how people have stepped up to care for him...

Joani said...

Awesome. And, a dog with a facebook page....remember her times with Brian I bet. Thanks for sharing. Hugs.

rjerdee said...

Oh! I must check out Butters' facebook page. Will he be my facebook friend?

Helen said...

A most delightful benefit upon arriving in Oregon six years ago? The presence of dogs ~ everywhere! Yes, well behaved and all of them wonderful! Thanks for sharing Butters with us.

Diana said...

I ditto what #1Nana said...something about the simple, beautiful things like a relationship with a pet drives home the enormity of your loss...I'd admire your grace and strength through this...and am so sorry that it ever happened.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

A lovely picture and a lovely story.

That gentleman's lady said...

A dog with a facebook page :)

That made me smile.

Lovely dog... lovely memories...

Maggie May said...

Thats a beautiful photo and although its sad she had to lose Brian, I am pleased that the mate took her in and that he is sticking closely to the routine she had with Brian.
It is especially poignant when pets get left behind. The ripples go on all over the place but it must be a comfort to you having the dog well looked after by a good mate.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

dianefaith said...

A beautiful photo of a beautiful relationship.

ds said...

Wonderful picture of Brian and Butters! How nice that people who know her (and him) have stepped up to take care of her. And yes, I agree that she will always remember her first friend.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story, Rosaria. Thanks for sharing it, and the beautiful photo of your son and Butters. Good memories, though probably a bit painful still, I suspect.
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

I love the picture of Brian and Butters. It's such a beautiful moment between two loving friends. I can't help but think how wonderful it was that Brian had a chance to realize his dream of having another dog and that the dog will now live with someone who knew and cared about Brian -- and who knows just how special Butters is as well. That must be a comfort to you, Rosaria.

Michael G-G said...

A great picture. I too am glad that Butters has found a new home. Very sad to hear about the loss of Brian.

NitWit1 said...

A great and loving picture of a man and his dog. I am so glad Butters jas a good home.

Animal grieve too, but adjust like we all do in our own time.

Marja said...

What a beautiful photo and memory Great that butters found a good home.

SG said...

That is a lovely picture. I hope Butters stays well.

Unspoken said...

Dogs are the best friends we ever have in many ways. We never forget them. I think it is the same for them and us. They remember the humans who have been theirs. Crazy we share the world in such ways with more than people. Love is broader than I can comprehend, but the love of a man (boy) and his dog are a beautiful thing that poets and writers and artists can't help but be mused by.

yaya said...

Our son also has a dog he loves. He and Eddy are soul mates and I'm sure it would be hard for them to part. I'm glad Butters has found a good home. I think of you often and feel an ache in my heart for your family. I love the picture of Brian and Butters...so sweet.

Deborah said...

It's good for me to hear about Brian. Keeping his memory alive.

Amanda Summer said...

i see my sister deborah just commented before me!

i love that picture of brian with his pooch. after hearing how everyone travels to the store - or dentist! - with a couple dogs in tow, oregon sounds like my kind of place.

Catalina Aldridge said...

Woolly was such a loving & sweet dog! She was the first dog I 'owned'. Brian & Wooly sure had lovely times... was so excited for him when Butters came into his life. :)

Anonymous said...

I love your posts reminiscing about your son in such a sweet way. This one is no exception.

Maria @ A Platter of Figs

Cheryl Cato said...

Great photo of Butters & Brian. I'm so glad that he had Butters & she him. I'm going to visit Butters FB page.