When I began writing the Elizabeth Goodweather books., I gave Elizabeth three dogs and based them on three of our six (at the time) canines. (Not wanting her to seem too weird, I gave her only three.)
Elizabeth's Molly, Ursa, and James were based on our Maggie, Bear, and William. Maggie and Bear have been gone for several years and now William has joined them.
We don't know how old he was -- at least 16, possibly 18 . . . or older. I found him while I was weed-eating (string trimming) down near our mail box. He had evidently recently been dumped out near there and he began following me, frisking and flirting in an irresistible manner. (I think this was '97 or '98 but can't be sure.) He seemed to be a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix -- two very long lived breeds.
William adored people, especially the ladies, loved sitting in laps and had a bad habit of trying to put his tongue in your mouth if you weren't watchful. (The Bob Packwood of dogs, we called him.)
He was a popular favorite with visitors and a fine addition to our pack. In recent years he had become quite deaf and partially blind (and just possibly a little senile) but he was always a cheerful and good little dog.
Good bye, sweet William - the end of an era . . .
18 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss. I miss each one of my beloved pets.
Oh, William, you dear little thing! The day somebody abandoned you near the mailbox was your lucky day. It's a kindness, maybe, that you left a little bit at a time . . . losing bits of your senses and then going away entirely.
Vicki, you and your family have my complete sympathy, undiminished by the happiness of knowing William lived a Happy And Healthy Beloved Doggy Life.
Fare well, sweet William, on your journey to the Rainbow bridge! Thank you, William. Every dog adds to the world, and obviously you have added much to your family's.
I am so sorry to hear this. Sweet William sounds like the perfect companion and I love your description of his flirting when he first found you down by the mailbox. The only children I had were four-legged ones and I feel your loss.
Sam
What an adorable boy. I am so sorry for your loss, but so glad that William found you and had such a good life for a very long time.
I'm so sorry, Vicki. It's so hard to lose a well-loved pet.
My heart is open and also sad with your loss.
William's sweetness has always come through clearly from your posts, Vicki. I know how much you and your family are going to miss him. And remember him every day.
What a lovely old boy.
xo
I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs.
I am so sorry, Vicki. So hard to lose such a sweet friend. RIP sweet William.
awww...i am so sorry...so hard...we lost our last cat 2 years ago right about now....thank you for being a good dog william....
Oh I am sorry. Just really sorry for your inevitable sadness. William was lucky he found you. xo
Sweet William has returned to mother earth pushing up grasses and seeds, plants and trees. I'm sure he went with a full heart after living such a good life with such loving and caring people
Godspeed, dear William.
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss of Sweet William. (((BIGHUG))) What a fabulous little guy he must have been, and I'm sure he will be greatly missed.
Sorry to read that Vicki. All our animals hold a special place in our hearts. They are all different and always missed.
Vicki, I'm so sorry. I hope you take comfort, though, in the happy, wonderful life you gave him.
Be happy in heaven, darling William.
Hi Vicki,
I'm so sorry to hear about William. I had been off line a few days and just now saw that he had passed. He sounds like he was a wonderful little guy that lived a wonderful life with you after being thrown away the first time around. Even though he lived a long and happy life it is still difficult to see them go and the silence they leave behind is hard.
Take care,
Tammy
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