Dug

At a time when it felt like nothing in my life was “going to plan” a million stars had to align for me to come across a complete strangers post about this sweet, nameless senior golden coming in rescue. He was later named Dug, fitting for a distinguished gentleman like himself.

When I first adopted Dug, he was neglected, sheepish, overweight and full of quirks but all he wanted was to give love and be loved. Dug taught me patience I didn’t know I had. Learning all his little mannerisms, like opening the car door, putting a treat on the ground and looking away was the only way he would get in OR out of the car was just one of the many silly ways he owned me. Dug gave me so much purpose.

Eventually he learned how loved and safe he was and the joke became that he bullied me. He’d grunt and groan anytime he wanted a walk and wouldn’t stop until I gave in. Even in his last days he was still bossing me around for a walk, a treat or just because he could.

Dug went everywhere with me from weekly visits to Deer Lodge to visit my nana and all the other residents, patio dates, so much time at the lake and countless hours snuggling in his boat size bed.

I find peace in knowing I truly gave him the best golden years. I hope all he remembers is a life full of all the love, treats, nature walks, and belly rubs.

On March 25, we went for our usual morning walk, and Dug told me he was tired. The rest of the morning was spent surrounded by the people who loved him most, saying goodbye, giving him love and feeding him all the rotisserie chicken his heart desired - spoiler, he ate a lot of rotisserie chicken that morning.

It is without a doubt that Dug was placed in my life’s and me in his, right when we needed each other the most. He was my soul dog, and I will miss him forever.

The sweetest soul I’ve ever known.