Closing a Chapter~
Before I close this chapter of our little guy’s life, will you pardon me while I ramble on about my memories of Beezer? We put our little boy to sleep a week ago. It was a terrible shock because he seemed fine the day before, but he woke unable to walk, and moved his head strangely. As the morning progressed, he quit walking at all, and tilted his head at an unusual angle.
The vet broke it to us kindly that he had a brain tumor. His eyes were even moving different directions. Though it was a hard decision, because we were unprepared, we couldn’t stand to see him suffer. The vet said it was a final act of love to put him to sleep. So we stayed, caressing him the whole while and crying our eyes out.
When you lose a special pet, it leaves an empty hole. Most of us who have pets have gone through this at some point. I have said goodbye to many over the years. There are always some who hold that special place in your heart.
About Beezer~
Beezer was a Maltese rescue who came to us as “Snoopy,” but I changed that immediately. He became “BeeBee,” which soon evolved into “Beezer.” People always thought he was a “she.” We were told he was about 5, but the vet said it was more like 10, judging from his teeth. People often asked how old he was, but we didn’t know. I would guess close to 20 in his final days, give or take. Whatever he was, he had a lot of life for a little old man that was our little boy.
Early Days~
Beezer was very fearful and timid in those early days. He stood just out of reach even though we beckoned sweetly with love and friendliness. When approached, he would either move out of range, or he lay on his back and squirted. He got over the squirting, but it took a long time to get over his innate fears. 10 years! I was never sure if his quirks were related to his breed, or were the result of his being abused or neglected. So many fears!
What I Taught Him~
I marveled that Beezer had no idea how to climb stairs, so I taught him that. When he arrived he was wearing a diaper, and I took that off and taught him how to go to the bathroom on paper. In his last year, we encouraged him to go outside to pee, and he was getting better about letting us know when he had to go. I broke him from his hand-licking habit. We taught him to “speak” for his food and treats. We were in the process of teaching him to “speak” to come in the front door. Beezer was no dummy.
He was good friends with our cat, and the two of them sat companionably in front of the glass front door.
Occasionally “Alvie” would get in his space, and Beezer growled being “big tough dog”. Unfortunately, Beezer wasn’t a watch dog at all.
I learned to groom him myself, cut his toenails, and dressed him in little suits.
Maybe I sound neurotic or something, but I never had kids, so I guess he was my baby. I loved him, and we both miss him terribly. Somehow though, I know he thanks us for letting him go.
Opening a New Chapter~
Fast forward a week, and now we have another dog. I believe in transitioning quickly, and knowing hubby as I do, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot. He was already making noises about not rushing into anything.
- We decided we didn’t want another Maltese
- We didn’t want one as old as Beezer apparently was.
- We didn’t want one that went to the bathroom on paper
- We didn’t want a small dog always underfoot like Beezer was.
Putting the Word Out~
I put a notice out on “Next Door,” an online neighborhood community that I was looking for a lab/pit bull mix. Within minutes, I had an overwhelming response from people wanting to either give me their dogs or suggesting I go to the Humane Society. Overwhelmed was an understatement! As a cat and dog-lover, I would love to take them all. Our Humane Society recently got in a truckload of dogs from Houston as a result of Hurricane Harvey.
So we open a new chapter in our lives with “Leo.” He’s about a year old (did we jump from the frying pan into the fire, or what?). I’m watching youtube videos on how to train a dog, even though I trained the one we had before Beezer. If the dog is smart, that’s half the battle. Leo has a lot of energy, and I’m beginning to wonder if WE have enough energy to keep him adequately exercised! May I tell you we’ve walked him up and down the street more times in these last few days, than I’ve walked a year in my neighborhood? So I guess one good thing, he’s gotten me off my butt.
- He’s part white lab (I’ve always wanted a white lab),
- and part pit bull.
- He’s housebroken (Yay!!!)
- He’s smart and already knows “sit, stay, & shake.”
- He’s even-tempered with a sweet disposition.
- He rides well in the car, and enjoys toys.
- He’s supposed to get along with cats.
- He doesn’t get on the furniture.
- He’s a good watch dog.
- He walks pretty well on a leash
One of our cats has already slapped him, boxed his ears thoroughly, and charged him. So if we can just communicate it to the other cat, we’ll be in business.
I’m liking Leo, but total bonding has not yet occurred. I still miss the little Beezer. But ask me in another few days, and I’ll be totally sold.
Until then…
- Maybe next week I can get out of the funk I’ve been in.
- Maybe next week I can get my inspiration back…
- Maybe next week I can get my creativity back…
- Maybe next week I can get my motivation back…
- And maybe next week I can get my DIY back…I could even show you my latest pallet wood project.
- Maybe next week……
Florence
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Cuddle, if possible, learn to talk doggie and find the place he like to be scratched or rubbed the most then bonding should start.
You’re so right Kathleen! Thanks for the tip and dropping in to comment!
Yes…maybe next week. I understand, having had to euthanize 4 of our old cats in a year and a half. That broke a big ol’ hole in our heart. We have theme songs and nick names for our cats, so we can always continue to remember them and their big personalities. We still have 4, so they keep us busy and loved. We don’t plan on adopting any more at this time. We’ll see what the future brings to us.
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish the best to you and your new companion, Leo.
Thank you Fonda! Sounds like you all are pet lovers too! That is heartbreaking to lose so many that close together. I’m glad you still have some to love though. Thank you for the good wishes…glad you enjoyed the post.
So sad about Beezer, but what a truly wonderful life he had with you. He was a lucky little guy to be loved so much. Happy dance you rescued another homeless dog to love so quickly. I have 4 cats, & if even 1 stays a day at the vet’s for teeth cleaning, my house feels empty. They are my only family. The unconditional love received from pets is priceless. Leo is adorable & also extremely lucky to have a home with you!
Thank you for the comforting words Mary! I know what you mean about having one be absent for a day…you miss them as if they are the only one in your life. We have 2 cats too. I’m hoping the last reluctant one will come around. Thank you so much for your kindness.
I know how much you miss Beezer – we have said good-bye to 5 dogs in the last 6 years and it is always so hard but, each time, we knew it was the right thing to do to end the dog’s suffering. We also believe the dog that has gone to the Rainbow Bridge (all have been rescues) would want us to rescue another dog so we always have – sometimes really soon like you did and sometimes a few months away. We have had as many as 8 at one time but I am older with some health and mobility problems so we currently have 5. Our goal is probably to get down to 2 or maybe 3.
Leo is precious – we have 2 currently and one prior of that particular mix and it is a great combination. Pit bulls are wonderful dogs. One of our current dogs is JoJo and he is a red (and older) version of your beautiful Leo. I hope you have many, many happy years with him.
Love your blog and the items you find. Thanks for sharing them every week.
Carol, thank you for sharing your story and insights. Do you foster? I have always wanted to do that, but we don’t have a fence. I think that’s a requirement. Wow, 8 dogs! Or even 5…that’s a lot, but sounds like you’re an animal lover like me. I love pit bull mixes too…have ever since I had another one that also went over the bridge. I’ve never stopped missing him.
Thank you for the kind comments about the blog too! It makes my day to know someone reads it & enjoys it!
Florence he is a beauty! I’m so sorry about Beezer, it’s so hard to lose a fur baby.
Leo is adorable, I used to have a white/light lab mix and she was such a great dog. They are smart and they have a lot of energy. LOL You are gonna need to invest in some new shoes. LOL He looks like he will be taking care of you as well as you are him. Congrats!
Nikki, I knew about your Rosie, but looks like the new one is a love. I’m crazy about lab mixes, but this one isn’t all that interested in fetching. He’s very active though…you’re right about those shoes!
OH! I can SO SO SO relate to putting your little Beezer down. We’ve had to do it twice and both times I swore . . . that’s it. I can’t get another dog. I just can’t go through this again. The first time it was a month. The second time it was about two weeks haha! What amazing things you taught that poor, little guy — he sure was loved and cared for. How wonderful that he lived out his days with YOU. And your new baby sure is cute!! Too funny about the cat — live and learn right? He will learn the pecking order soon haha! Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.
Thank you Lauren…sounds like you understand perfectly. Sometimes losing one does make you reluctant to get another. I hear that a lot, but I find having a dog around enriches my life. It’s funny about Beezer…he was so fearful & timid, I was afraid to hurt his feelings any more when I had to correct him. Until I wrote it down, I didn’t realize how much I really DID teach him.
So sorry for the loss of Beezer. I love the photo of him in the red sweater. He was one lucky guy to have the two of you be so patient with him. It sounds like you picked the perfect dog to drag you out of your funk.
I think you must be right Donna. Thanks for the sweet comment.
I’m so sorry about your loss, Florence. You’re right, it’s never easy to lose a friend, furry or otherwise. I hope your new pup eases the pain a bit. Sweet face…
Thank you Kim! We are already pretty crazy about Leo, so it’s helping!
Im so sorry about Breezer, he sound like a sweetie and I’m sure he enjoyed his years spent with a loving family. It is hard to lose a pet, they are one of the family. I’ve lost a lot of them myself, and my last one over 10 years ago we had to put down as well, it was the best thing for him, and I sat there with him till it was over, crying like I’m about to do now from thinking of it and reading your post . I haven’t let myself get close to another animal until a couple years ago with my cat Dakota.
Leo looks like a sweet dog, I’m sure you all will be happy together, and he will help you get your excersise as well. Whether you want it or not. Lol
And Leo and the kitty cats will be fine once he realizes who the real bosses are. 🤣
Thank you for that encouragement Linda! Leo is a sweet dog, and we like him a lot. Thanks for the kind comments!
I am so sorry about Beezer. It is never easy. Last year my two cats died within 3 months of each other. The last cat had a stroke and I still miss them so much. Beezer had a good life and as hard as the decision was it was the right one. Now you have a new furbaby to love and care for. Leo will bring you much joy and fill the empty spot in your heart.
Debra, I’m so sorry you lost your cat babies so close to Christmas! That’s terrible anytime, but especially then. I know you must miss them terribly. Hope you get another one…they’re such great companions, as you know.
So sorry about Beezer. It’s not easy to put a pet down but is necessary at times when you need to be merciful. He had a good home and that’s what matters most. Your new Leo is a cutie-pie! I’m sure you’ll be fully bonded soon. I find it takes me a little longer to bond with dogs than it does with cats. I don’t know why, but that’s just the way it seems to go.
Thank you for your sweet comment Jennifer! We are already getting better acquainted with our big boy & falling in love. He is a cutie. And so sweet.
Florence, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet Beezer… It’s never easy, is it, to say goodbye? A neighbor recently lost her lab and later that week was given a brown lab puppy. I’m glad you were ready for a new friend! Me, I always have to mourn for a while. 🙂 Pinned some pics for you to my Animal Friends page. <3
I do like your new boy, love the pic with the ball,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Thanks Barb! I can tell you’re an animal lover! I appreciate your kindness. I still miss our little guy, but Leo helps a lot.
Florence you are so wonderful to have taken Beezer in and cared for him after all the abuse he had suffered. I know he must have felt safe and secure in your home. And now you are starting a new adventure with Leo who is a fun young’un. I’m sure he’ll keep you busy and on your toes. If nothing else you’ll have to prevent a war between him and the cat. Life is never boring with our furry friends.
That’s so true Mary…I just enjoy watching the expressions on the dog’s face sometimes. Still miss the little Beezer, but life with Leo is never boring. He’s settling in just fine. You should see our house now. I think I’ll put a pic on FB of just how our den looks. LOL
‘Sending you a big hug (((Florence))) Beezer was so blessed to have such a kind caregiver! Leo is a very handsome fellow. I bet all the girls in your neighborhood swoon when he’s walking past! 😉 -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Haha! He’s gotten a few mentions alright!
I finally made myself read this post. Thought I could do it this morning. I was wrong. I mean I did read it, but I cried. And I never met the little guy! My heart breaks for you.
Leo is a doll, though. He’ll be a lot of fun.
And I really like the new look of the blog!
Aww, thank you for your kindness Wanda. I still miss the little guy. He endeared himself to us. Leo is very different, but a sweet boy.