I was trying to remember exactly what day in December 2004 did Rudy run into my heart? I think it was a Friday, and looking at the 2004 calendar that means it was either 12/17, 12/24 or 12/31. I guess it doesnt really matter. What does matter is, its been ten years since Linda the dog walker was doing her rounds when a man in a van pulled up next to her and asked her if she wanted a dog, because if she didnt well he was going to take this dog to the pound. One look at this Basset Hound puppy and she said Yes. She spent the day carting him around from job to job and he was quite agreeable. When she got to my house to pick up Lola she opened the door and announced she had a dog for me. I quickly told her I did not need another dog, but then she released the hound and who come running into the living room, ears a-flappin, tail a-waggin, but this pup, about a year - 18 months old. One look at the kid and I was smitten. The next day I called CACC, just in case someone reported a missing Basset Hound and sure enough someone in Queens did report one, matching the description to a tee. Turns out this rascal opened the gate and decided to take a walk with his partner a Rottweiler. The woman who was keeping him explained she took him in when a family took him to the Veterinarian office in Queens to put him down! Because they moved up from Florida and could not find an apartment because of the dog. The vet refused, and this woman, a technician, took him in despite already owning three other dogs. They neutered him and called him Shorty. This lady agreed to turn him over to us and I named him Rudy. I dont know what it is about this guy because he drives me nuts sometimes, but I love him fierce. Even though he stubbornly refuses to be fully housebroken (ARRRGH!!), and he is pushy, needy, demanding, loud and obnoxious. But he is also the most loving dog Ive ever known. He is affectionate, funny, cheerful, willing, smart, clever, and soulful. He makes me laugh with his silly antics and his expressions. He loves to climb into my lap for a nice nap, something I love and will miss when hes gone. He is all Basset Hound through and through. Ive learned this by seeing all the photos of other Basset Hounds on Daily Drool. Rudy loves nothing more than going about the neighborhood and Prospect Park sniffing all the things. When he is sniffing his tail is wagging. He loves his job more than any being Ive ever encountered. He is Chief Bag Inspector at my house, and takes that job very seriously - when he sniffs out a bag, the entire head goes in, there is no holding back. These last months, since learning he has Thyroid Cancer, Rudy has taught me the important lesson of living in the moment. To him every day is the best day ever. Every day is an opportunity to go out and sniff, get some treats and tummy tickles. Seems like that should be enough for a life well lived. And hes still here!
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:20:37 +0000
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