My Tibetan Warrior

Buster, my Buddhist Monk Incarnate, was put to 'sleep' recently. He understood but had little resistance. Cancer had permeated much of his body. He could barely move but would try to follow us if we left him alone. He did not wish to be petted at this time, but wanted my hand touching him while he lay sedated. He had not eaten for the last 3 days and his stomach was so upset from the narcotic he had difficulty with bowel control.

As a result of his quick demise, Lucy (his sibling soulmate) was also not eating. She knew he was at his end stage and was visibly upset. They have never known being apart. She also attended and witnessed his last breath. She went looking for him numerous times last evening but was so tired from the stress she experienced the last few days that she 'crashed'.

We will all miss this 'little' gentle giant. He may have only weighed 25 lbs. but his aura was huge and his presence was impacting. The only time he showed aggressive behaviour toward anyone or anything was when he felt he had to protect Lucy. And given the flirtatious nature of this sister, he had a lot of protecting to do risking his very being in the process. Lucy always got the initial attention but Buster would 'wear you down' with his tolerance, patience and love. He was incredibly strong and independent. He did not require constant attention but when he requested it on occasion, you had better be 'there' for him. As he got deafer, 'a chip of the old block', his ability and wish to be obedient to my voice, left him. And, one of my priorities in training him was to be able to have him off leash. And, for the most part, it worked for most of his life. However, as he lost his ability to hear, we had to have him on leash more often, especially in higher risk areas. He seemed to understand, for the most part, but this Lhasa/Maltese cross, loved his freedom.

Given my history, since moving to Victoria, and the numerous homes in which he graced his presence, Linda came to the rescue almost 3 years ago. They became the dynamic trio. They could not have been a better match. Each brought something to the table and were totally complimentary. What a gift they were to each other.

I remember visualizing him for two years prior to making his acquaintance. I came home from work on this day and immediately went to the Pets for Sale section in the local newspaper. But, rather than looking at the first ads, I went to the very last ad, hoping it was the most recent, and there he was. I called and asked the lady if she had a beige male and she said one. Without hesitation, knowing he was mine, I asked her to hold him for me until I got there (2 1/2 hour drive). When I got there, six little pups were running around in a cordoned off area. All were giving me attention accept him. He was in the 'trough', ‘chowing’ down. The one which gave me the most kisses was Lucy. She was the runt and only about a third of the size of Buster. He was at least twice as big as the next sized puppy and was his mothers….favourite. It was love at first sight. Big, strong, independent, majestic with a composure of a much older dog he captivated me. He was to be my soul buddy for the next 14 years. I put him in my jacket and smuggled him across the American border (I was living in Pt. Roberts, WA, at the time) and brought him home. At 6 weeks, he took ownership but wanted my partner to sleep with him the first few nights. He looked like a stuffed 'Gund' with a pulse. As a matter of fact, I bought one and took a photo of both of them. You could not tell the difference….given the stillness of the photo. We had our champion and anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing his evolution would attest that he was 'special'. I would walk him on the beach daily and he loved the water usually bringing some home along with some of the seaweed from the beach. Watching him play with the seaweed and playing tag with the waves was priceless. We noticed that he had a penchant for watching TV so, we would put the discovery channel on for him. He became 'King' of the Universe. There was nothing that he could not conquer with a simple bark. Every animal was at his mercy. As a result he grew up without any fear of anyone or anything. This attitude served him well throughout his life. He was never challenged, regardless of how big the dog. He could go nose to nose affectionately with a horse, as an example, and would not be intimidated nor be intimidating. He was awesome. I always wanted to emulate his personality. Unfortunately, I was given one that was inferior and was left wanting….around him.

Once, as we were walking the beach, a very friendly young Boxer came bounding my way and greeted me by jumping up my chest. Buster, albeit only a couple months old, came to my defence and would have shown the Boxer, 'a thing or two' but was unable to jump high enough to touch his torso. It was pure love and sacrifice from a pup that would have sacrificed himself for so many of us, especially Lucy.

A few months later, the family that I purchased Buster from, were breaking up and they wanted to know if we wanted Heidi. We said we would try her out but only if Buster accepted her. We said we wanted a one week trial. On the way to pick her up, Caroline blurts out, "I think they named that dog Lucy….what a stupid name for a dog." It turned out that the loving runt was the dog we were picking up. So, I asked what her name was and they said…."Heidi". After we got in the car to go home, Caroline blurts out once again, "Heidi, what a stupid name for a dog….she looks like a Lucy". And so it was……she responded to Lucy from that moment on, without hesitation.

So Buster and Lucy became a matched set only to be separated by death….what a gift they have been to each other and to all concerned. This is the only relationship I wish to emulate. They loved each other unconditionally.

Only 3 weeks ago I had the pleasure to visit them and they were still playing like they were puppies. To me, they were always puppies. He would clean her face and make her look like a trollop after a hard nights work and she loved him for it. His paternal nature surfaced around her. My only regret (as a result of poor information) was to never let them breed. They would have been magic together. Ah, maybe in their next lives together? They were inseparable and I told Buster to not only be waiting for Lucy but the rest of us as well, when it is time for us to pass on. He said OK… and so it is.