This man’s best friend…

I lost my most loyal friend today.

Red was a 13.5-year-old bundle of love.  On Father’s Day weekend, 2010 my daughter Katie, insisted that we visit the local Humane Society.  Red was just a pup and had been in the shelter for an extended amount of time.  She had two strikes against her already and needed to find a home soon.  Red caught my eye and stole my heart.

Red had some peculiar habits.   She did not show affection by licking…not hands, not faces.  She was known to put her nose inches from yours and stare into your eyes, but no licking.

If you gave her a scratch behind the ears and for some reason you stopped, she would very slowly raise a paw, and place it on your arm to remind you that she deserved more attention.

And, when you caught her attention, she was likely to cock her head to one side and give you a quizzical look with one ear up and one ear flopped.  Pretty cute…

When Red came to live with us, my job required frequent travel throughout the state and when I traveled to the Austin area, I would often take Red with me, and she would visit my girls.  On these trips to Austin, Red learned to ride shotgun in my truck.  She would sit upright, almost statuesque for the first portion of every ride.  She continued to ride shotgun with me for the next 12 years or so until joint pain made it difficult for her to get in and out of my truck.

Anytime that I left the house, my most loyal friend would be the first to greet me upon my return.  Five minutes, or five days, Red would greet me at the door with a friendly wag of the tail and then follow closely, always by my side, ever loyal.  That’s what good dogs do…

Red and I shared the same hair color and got grey around the temples at approximately the same time.  When I became deaf, Red stayed by my side and notified me when the doorbell would ring or when visitors would approach. 

We shared thirteen and a half good years together and I couldn’t dream of having a better companion.  I appreciate Dr Dozier for helping me with the hardest decision, and for her kind and loving care for Red-dog.

I already miss my friend.  But I know that if I can somehow earn a place inside the Pearly Gates, that upon my arrival, I will be greeted by a familiar face…head cocked just to one side, with one ear up and one floppy ear.  I’ll get a friendly wag of the tail. After all…that’s what good dogs do.

Thanks for listening!

Your friend,

KBM

Kevin Medlin
kevin@mysilentpew.com

15 thoughts on “This man’s best friend…

  1. There are never any words for the loss of a beloved, four-legged friend. But I’m certain they will ALL be at that gate, waiting for us, to forever be by our side.

    Red was a very lucky dog to have you. And vice versa.

    Laurie

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  2. Oh Kevin, I’m so sorry! I know how much you love Red and she was such a good dog. You two were so lucky to have found each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to her absence. 💔-Kim

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  3. I’m so sorry you lost your best friend. We never realize how much we need those four-legged friends until they leave us. Mine are both in the double-digit years now. I am trying to love on them and enjoy their company as long as they’re here with me.

    I sure hope there are lots of animals in Heaven. I think it will be much better with them there, especially if they can talk!! But then again, maybe that’s why we love them so much…because they can’t talk!!

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  4. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your fur baby.
    I know how difficult it is, but remember all your wonderful memories.
    Sending extra prayers your way.

    Blessings, Nancy Brougham

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  5. Glad you had such a great friend and helper. I have one too and he means the world. Thanks for sharing and I feel your loss. Know you have many friends who are thinking of you and Red. What a great love affair. Peace

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  6. I’m so very sorry for your loss Kevin. Our fur babies are one of God’s greatest gifts to man.
    I pray that the God of comfort will comfort you during this time.

    Thank you for sharing, Kevin.

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  7. Kevin-
    Such a great friend and companion. I am so sorry for your loss but thrilled for your years together.
    I lost my Lillie this year at 15+yrs. She too was a great companion. So I understand, as do each of us with dogs this special.
    Carole

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  8. Kevin, I was so sorry to hear about Red; I truly believe dogs go to heaven. My dad always says, “you don’t know true love until you have loved, and been loved, by an old dog.“Our dog Jack is 13 and I try not to think about not having him.  I saw a bumper sticker once that said, “I’m trying to be the person my dog thinks I am.”

    Sending love to you and Pam!
     
    Becka 

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  9. What a beautiful dog and loving companion. Walking the dog is good medicine for both of us. I’m sorry you’re missing your friend. Best wishes.

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