Just about every kid has an imaginary friend at some point while growing up and I was no exception. However, mine was not your typical imaginary friend. Mine was a dog called Androcles. More specifically, he was a Doberman Pinscher, tall and elegant, black with tan points. He was the shadow at my side and was there for me through some really rough spots growing up. Eventually, I grew out of Androcles but I could never shake the feeling of having that slim shadow at my side.
Eventually, as I was struggling with some tough decisions during graduate school, I decided to get a dog. I brought home a bony, red brindle, 6 month-old greyhound puppy. He was bouncy and exuberant so I called him Tigger.
Looking back on it now, he was my Androcles brought to life. He was tall and slim and a constant shadow at my side. He was there for me through some really rough times and some really joyful times and was a constant that I could always count on.
Tigger was my first dog and my door to so many things. We discovered lure coursing together and the friendship and thrills that it entails. We stepped into the obedience ring and earned an obedience title. Though many folks tried to judge him based on his breed, he was steadfast and loyal and came through for me. We tried out agility and spent time tracking in the cold Kansas winters.
Truthfully, Tigger was a pivotal influence on my life. If not for him, I would not have been working at Fort Riley and would not have met Richard, my husband. I would not have had Winnie or Devo grace my life. The lessons I learned while training Tigger benefited those that came after him and will impact every dog that
passes through my home in the years to come. I would not have had the opportunity to move overseas and would not have ended up in Oregon. Consequently, without Tigger, I would not have the friends that I do and would not be the person I am. Sounds a little crazy but looking back, I can draw you a map and show you where all the lines intersect. That point of intersection is the day I brought Tigger home.
For an unregistered pup out of cast off parents, he was a remarkable hound. I believe that every dog has a lesson to teach us. Tigger’s lesson was loyalty. He was a source of stability when the rest of the world was falling to pieces. He was a reason to get of bed in the morning and a reason to come home at night. When I brought other hounds into my life, I thought they would be there to help me when I lost Tigger. Instead, my loyal and steadfast Tigger stood by me when I had to let the others go ahead. These last few years his body grew old and was riddled with arthritis. He was bony and thin. He couldn’t chase his Frisbee anymore although he would carry it around the yard with a grin on his face. He never lost his joy and truly lived up to his name. Eventually, I realized that with his loyal nature he would not leave me. I had to make the decision for him when it was time to go.
He went happily into the vet clinic and greeted those that he knew. He laid on his bed with his head on my lap and with my permission, trotted on ahead of me to the clearing around the bend. After 14 and a half years with this magnificent gentleman by my side, it felt odd to walk out to my truck with an empty leash and collar in my hands.
It still feels odd. However, as in my childhood, I can’t shake the feeling constant feeling that there is a slim, elegant dog walking at my side.
Thank you, Tigger, for the many, many years of companionship and support. Good bye my Heart.
Eventually, as I was struggling with some tough decisions during graduate school, I decided to get a dog. I brought home a bony, red brindle, 6 month-old greyhound puppy. He was bouncy and exuberant so I called him Tigger.
passes through my home in the years to come. I would not have had the opportunity to move overseas and would not have ended up in Oregon. Consequently, without Tigger, I would not have the friends that I do and would not be the person I am. Sounds a little crazy but looking back, I can draw you a map and show you where all the lines intersect. That point of intersection is the day I brought Tigger home.
He went happily into the vet clinic and greeted those that he knew. He laid on his bed with his head on my lap and with my permission, trotted on ahead of me to the clearing around the bend. After 14 and a half years with this magnificent gentleman by my side, it felt odd to walk out to my truck with an empty leash and collar in my hands.
