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Goodbye, Girl.
Sep. 14th, 2006 04:42 pmTory came into our lives as a foster dog almost seven years ago. She was around 5 years old at the time; and was very shy (ears back all the time) and very overweight. It wasn't until we put her on a major diet that she discovered a love for carrots and other veggies that she didn't seem to consider food initially.
Within a few hours of coming to our house, she and Beckett became fast friends - racing around our apartment in Arlington, and wrestling each other to the ground. We were happy to have a dog who could put Beckett (then three years old) in his place.
Though Beckett was perhaps smarter - Tory taught him some practical life lessons - like how to steal food from the giant bag of kibble in the kitchen (we had to start locking down the food after Tory came on the scene)
How can you not be crazy about a dog who thinks that maybe, just maybe, if she gets it just right she may be able to fly after that bird she is chasing? To see her leap into the air, how could you help but wish her a little bit of luck? (sadly, she did actually catch a bird once, so that must have kept her dream of flying alive)
Some might say that Tory was really dumb - and, ok, she was - but she got a treat every time Beckett got one, and the only trick she knew was "paw" - she got treats every time *Beckett* did a trick. So maybe she was not as dumb as you might have initially thought.
Tory's special way to show affection - in addition to the standard dog ways - was to reach up, and ever so gently give you a few soft little nose nibbles. Just a little nuzzle from the girl always made Josh & me feel like part of a special pack.
We used to say that Tory would go into "power save mode" when things got quiet and she forgot what she was doing. She'd just stop partway across the house and stand still for a while. Once something would happen, she'd come off of power save and continue on her way.
Tory was our kid-friendly dog. Toby could easily walk her on leash without her pulling, and she would approach children, even babies, to be scratched. The smaller the kid, the more she'd squint her eyes to avoid being poked.
Tory's favorite spots are our favorites too: up on the deck in Hollis watching "the nature channel" (the chipmunks on the stone wall) for hours; the back porch, or anywhere "her" boys are.
Tory had lots of character, and many special demands. Food allergies ruled out any inexpensive kibble - lamb, venison, fish if you please. She wore boots in the wintertime to protect her sensitive toes (earning her her nickname 'Tory-toes' or just 'Toes'), and lately sported Buzz-Lightyear pull-ups. Though she came from questionable background (the info sheet we got with her said she ate "whatever" and spent most of her time outside) she quickly became accustomed to life with us, woofing for attention and nudging our hands for head-scratches.
If you've been reading this blog, you know Tory's health has been declining over the past year. She's been in diapers for most of that time, and lately has deteriorated dramatically. She has had to be confined a lot of the time, and has developed hot-spots and other ailments. Josh & I sadly agreed that the time has come to say goodbye.
We both took today off, and spent it with her and Beckett. Walking in the woods, eating hamburger, and giving lots of love. This is one of the hardest things to do - Tory and Beckett are my first dogs ever - it's hard to picture the house without her, but it's our job to look out for her and not let her suffer.
Goodbye girl. We will miss your sweetness, your nose-nibbles and your simple outlook on life. Thanks for loving us so well and sharing your life with us.
Clickable pictures
Within a few hours of coming to our house, she and Beckett became fast friends - racing around our apartment in Arlington, and wrestling each other to the ground. We were happy to have a dog who could put Beckett (then three years old) in his place.
Though Beckett was perhaps smarter - Tory taught him some practical life lessons - like how to steal food from the giant bag of kibble in the kitchen (we had to start locking down the food after Tory came on the scene)
How can you not be crazy about a dog who thinks that maybe, just maybe, if she gets it just right she may be able to fly after that bird she is chasing? To see her leap into the air, how could you help but wish her a little bit of luck? (sadly, she did actually catch a bird once, so that must have kept her dream of flying alive)
Some might say that Tory was really dumb - and, ok, she was - but she got a treat every time Beckett got one, and the only trick she knew was "paw" - she got treats every time *Beckett* did a trick. So maybe she was not as dumb as you might have initially thought.
Tory's special way to show affection - in addition to the standard dog ways - was to reach up, and ever so gently give you a few soft little nose nibbles. Just a little nuzzle from the girl always made Josh & me feel like part of a special pack.
We used to say that Tory would go into "power save mode" when things got quiet and she forgot what she was doing. She'd just stop partway across the house and stand still for a while. Once something would happen, she'd come off of power save and continue on her way.
Tory was our kid-friendly dog. Toby could easily walk her on leash without her pulling, and she would approach children, even babies, to be scratched. The smaller the kid, the more she'd squint her eyes to avoid being poked.
Tory's favorite spots are our favorites too: up on the deck in Hollis watching "the nature channel" (the chipmunks on the stone wall) for hours; the back porch, or anywhere "her" boys are.
Tory had lots of character, and many special demands. Food allergies ruled out any inexpensive kibble - lamb, venison, fish if you please. She wore boots in the wintertime to protect her sensitive toes (earning her her nickname 'Tory-toes' or just 'Toes'), and lately sported Buzz-Lightyear pull-ups. Though she came from questionable background (the info sheet we got with her said she ate "whatever" and spent most of her time outside) she quickly became accustomed to life with us, woofing for attention and nudging our hands for head-scratches.
If you've been reading this blog, you know Tory's health has been declining over the past year. She's been in diapers for most of that time, and lately has deteriorated dramatically. She has had to be confined a lot of the time, and has developed hot-spots and other ailments. Josh & I sadly agreed that the time has come to say goodbye.
We both took today off, and spent it with her and Beckett. Walking in the woods, eating hamburger, and giving lots of love. This is one of the hardest things to do - Tory and Beckett are my first dogs ever - it's hard to picture the house without her, but it's our job to look out for her and not let her suffer.
Goodbye girl. We will miss your sweetness, your nose-nibbles and your simple outlook on life. Thanks for loving us so well and sharing your life with us.
Clickable pictures
