Farewell, Brunobear the Beagleman

15 years ago, when I met, Bruno, I never dreamed how such a little dog could change my life.  As the years passed, Bruno and I were inseparable....  He was my best friend and my rock.  He never judged, never lied, never hurt me.  He loved me, unconditionally, all the time.  Bruno helped me through everything from sadness to new jobs to moving to breakups....  you name it, he was there to lick my tears away and offer a happy wag.  He slept in bed with me every day for as long as I can remember.  He kept me warn and kept me happy!  Bruno used to respond to fire calls with me!  He would wait patiently in the truck until I returned from the call.  He locked me out of the car once he was so happy to see me!!  I had to call my Dad to come help.  Bruno dispatched with me, drove with me and walked with me.  He made my life so happy!

I knew that the day would come that my little best friend and I would have to say goodbye...  I had no idea it would so soon after Beau left us....  Bruno has been showing signs of aging over the last 6 months - losing his hearing,  limping, getting aggressive with the other dogs....  But he would still wag...  Until I came home from work early (0330) Sunday morning.  Bruno did not come to see me.  When I got into the bedroom, he looked up and no wag.  I picked him up and put him into the bed.  He looked sad, old and tired.  He was very restless and could not get comfortable.  His right front paw was turned inward, his gums were dark red, his heart beating fast, panting constantly and shaking.  I think Bruno had a stroke.  We slept for a little while and then he went to the kitchen.  He vomited all over the kitchen and just stood in one spot.  No movement, no spunk, just "Mom, I'm so tired"...

I sat on the floor and held him, as the tears flew down my checks onto his familiar coat.  We sat in silence together for what seemed like hours.  Christa came down and took one look at me and said, "Oh no, Mommy, it's time isn't it?"  Yes, it was.  I held my buddy a bit longer and snuggled.  I remembered everything he and I had been through and all the things he helped me survive.  I was not ready for this day.
I tried to feed him several different things and he didn't want anything...  Until the cheese dog!  He looked at me as if to say "Really, Mom?  Fine, I will eat it to make you happy".  He didn't want a girl scout cookie :(
So, off we went to the vet, on a Sunday, which was typical for Bruno...  We went into a very nice chapel like room, with leather couches for the people and a very plush, comfy bed for my buddy.  He knew, I knew and we just looked at each other.  It was a long, sad, happy, painful look that shared so much between us over 15 years...  He looked so very tired....
The vet came in and gave Bruno the shot.  He didn't flinch, he just looked at me with those gigantic eyes, as I held his head in my hands and pet his soft head for the last time.  Bruno went very peacefully...  I am sure he and Beau were playing immediately.  I, am not yet at peace with my best buddy going to heaven.  He is sorely missed and the house is not the same.  He no longer follows me everywhere or pushes open doors to check on me.  It is a very sad, lonely house, even with 3 other dogs.
I have said it before and will say it again - dogs are the true meaning of unconditional love...  Bruno loved me everyday for 15 years, no matter what I did, said or felt.  He loved me for me and I felt the same for him.  He was a stubborn, feisty little beagle with big eyes and a gigantic heart!  Enjoy heaven buddy, you deserve it!!!  I will miss you very much.  Tell Beau I said hi and send my love.  Thank you for everything my fabulous Brunobear the Beagleman - it has been a great ride!