In 1995 an elderly gentleman brought in his scruffy and ill tempered puppy. Little did Best Friends know, we would have a LONG journey and relationship with “Buddy”.

After many annual visits, Buddy was diagnosed with large bladder stones, surgery was the only option. He made a full recovery, yet only a short year after, he was diagnosed with Diabetes. His owner was under the care of hospice nurses that went above and beyond to help care for Buddy which included insulin injections twice a day. Unfortunately, Buddy’s temper made it difficult to regulate his diabetes since he refused the injections by using his teeth.

A few challenging months passed, Buddy’s eyes failed and resulted in glaucoma. Both painful eyes needed to be surgically removed. Due to the owners financial status and health, he could not afford the essential surgery. Dr. Tom Strolle generously donated his time and equipment to aid in Buddy’s quality of life.

Without the sense of sight Buddy’s aggression became almost intolerable. His daily insulin injections were almost impossible to maintain and his health suffered.

Three short months later his owner passed away and the hospice nurse was leaving. Who would care for Buddy?

I returned from my honeymoon to find a small off white dog that had the lingering sent of pipe tobacco. On his cage read a sign: “ I know you’ll find someone to care for him”. Buddy came home with me.

We created a routine. I earned his respect and trust. He had to get used to new surroundings, and smells. The bitterness he felt towards his injections subsided once he realized it followed with a treat. He no longer bit us. He would “sit pretty” and receive his shot with bravery.

With regulated Diabetes he felt much better. He was learning to navigate our one acre property, and when he was lost he would follow the sound to the other dog’s tags to help him out of a bind. The other dogs were very watchful over Buddy. He learned to maneuver himself from the gravel to the grass, and learned that if he pushed hard enough the gate would open and he could sneak into the cat’s food, I even caught him on the couch a time or two.

Buddy lived with me for two extraordinary years until he passed peacefully in my arms under the apple tree. We learned so much from Buddy. He was so intelligent and strong. He lived amazingly with us and astonished us everyday.

Special Thank you to Best Friends Animal Clinic, and Tom Strolle whom helped lead his path to mine, and donated so much care towards my little Buddy dog.