Bugsy

Dana and Bugsy

As I write this, I find myself tearing up, I am going through what I suspect are the final days of my dogs life, in which I already find myself in a state of reminiscence. As of late my mind has been consumed with memories of the past 12 years that I've shared with Bugsy. So perhaps this isn't so much about how he has changed my life, but how he has shaped my life. I "found" Bugsy in San Francisco around 12 years ago. He had been a stray, brought to the local pound, and when nobody claimed him, I brought him home. He was wild, insecure, a pretty big trouble maker, a little aggressive, liked to hump everything in sight, yet I could never get mad at him, maybe his antics brought a much needed sense of humor about my life. Immediately, Bugsy became a part of every aspect of my life. From refusing his brand new bed when I first brought him home from the shelter (and cuddling in mine), to introducing him to friends & family, to commanding my social life - either make time for Bugs, or don't go out... Looking back over the last 12 years, Bugsy has gone through a very formidable/transitional period of my life with me. At times, he was the only one there for me, and I couldn't think of a better companion. He has escorted me through an immature young adulthood - accompanying me on my adventures, to a now responsible motherhood - also considered an adventure. He has been my guardian & has taught me how wise dogs can be in regards to their impressions of the people we bring into our lives - by how he would react to them. He was always dead-on. When I was dating, licks & butt-wags mean "He Stays", barks & general apathy mean "He Goes". Simple to Bugsy. He has taught me to love unconditionally, love patiently, and laugh at my life more. Remarkably in-tune with my moods more than any person I've ever met, he knows when to bring me a toy to play with, or sit quietly next to me when I'm down. When I'm sick, he doesn't leave my side. When I had my son, he protected & watched over him immediately the moment I brought my baby home. He has taught me a new appreciation of the outdoors, and he even got me into shape. Heaven forbid we forgo our morning or nightly walk or jog... We walked & jogged everywhere together. And now in his later years he has a spinal condition that has greatly limited his physical activity. I miss those walks more than anything in the world. My son & I put him in my son's old stroller for walks, just so Bugs can still be with us. In effect, Bugs, being my first dog that I've had full responsiblity for, gave me the gift of appreciation for dogs in general, & their owners too - the ones that really love their dogs like I do. And gratefully, he has passed on this love to my son. Still a pre-schooler, my son is now also, one more person who loves dogs unconditionally, and will hopefully have the opportunity to share his experiences with others about the remarkable gift a dog can be in our lives. Bugsy has single-handedly added 2 more dog-lovers to the world.