In 2005, we were introduced to Wheatley. Sir Wheatley, really. He was an enormous Golden Retriever with an even bigger heart. He and our dog, Hank, bonded instantly. Hank's a mutt who looks like a Golden who got shrunk in a dryer. Wheatley's mom, Georgia, called them "Wheats and Mini-Wheats." They enjoyed tearing down the apartment halls together and we credit Wheatley for teaching Hank to at least recognize what commands he was ignoring.
Georgia got to be our friend, too. Not just because of Wheatley but -- who are we kidding? -- Wheatley was a major bonus. When Georgia got a job that required her to be out of the country for weeks at a time, we volunteered immediately to take in Wheatley whenever possible. (Silly Georgia thought we were doing HER a favor!)
Wheatley liked people, fetching logs, and B-A-L-L-S. Not neccesarily in that order. He hated thunder and mean dogs. He was one of history's most gentle and happy souls. At 12, he had beat cancer once and mange a few times and seemed destined for years more of scritches. A couple of weeks ago, his health took a sharp turn worse the worse. On Sunday, Georgia and Wheatley came over for a round of porch-sitting, wine and Trivial pursuit. Wheatley was in good spirits (okay, he ALWAYS was). He even found time to try and chew on a log.
This morning, Georgia took him in to the vet and held him while he passed.
The world is poorer without the Big Guy in it.
I know some readers got to know Wheatley through my Tweets and pics, and I hope you felt even a shadow of the gratitude that I feel having known him in all his shaggy, WOOFing glory.
I ask that you hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight, be grateful for the creatures that teach you what it means to be truly happy, and maybe, if you like, wish Wheatley well wherever he is right now. I am sure that whatever he's doing it involves a BALL.
If you want to commemorate him in a more tangible way, Georgia asks that you consider donating to the Washington Animal Rescue League, the terrific low-cost vet center and no-kill shelter that Wheatley supported via their annual "Mutt Strut" (Wheatley did not realize that he was a purebred, or if he did he chose to ignore that fact). A portion of the price for items bought via their Amazon store will also go to support their fantastic programs.
All good dogs may go to heaven, but they also make earth a little more like it.
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