Ruby, my best dog ever

[Tippo]

Many of you use a picture of your dog as your avatar. My avatar is a picture of Ruby, my fearless, relentless, alpha dog of 25 pounds who was killed in July by a 350 pound black bear that she was trying to persuade to leave our (fenced) back yard. She never got old, she never got sick. She died a hero protecting her sister (litter mate) and me from a dangerous beast. Her death was instant and painless. I was only a few feet away but was powerless to prevent the tragedy. The bear ate her in the brush about 100 yards from my house. A bear with similar markings was taken the first day of hunting season in September. I think of her everyday and will love her forever.

Jeff
Snowmass Village, CO

 

[TNWalker]

Wow! sorry to hear of your loss. Terrible way to lose a pet. She sounds like she was fearless. Godspeeed Ruby..

Steve

 

[rem]

From one dogfather to another .. I hear you. Mine are my children. It gets tougher every time. Wishing you a lot of good memories. It sounds like she provided you with plenty of them. From me and "the girls". R

 

[Maxified]

I've had to have a couple canine friends put down because they just don't have a life span that matches ours. That is a sad task to have to do but no where near as heart-wrenching as what you had to witness. It sounds like Ruby was quite a dog and we are sorry for your loss.

 

[spklbuk]

I do believe you are right Tippo, you will likely never have another canine that will meet Ms Ruby's standard for heroic bravery.

 

[patrickg450]

good story, sorry to hear.

 

[snuffcityrider]

Sorry for your loss. Dogs take up more space in our heart than we realize, till there gone. Sounds like she was quite a friend.

 

[20valves]

So sorry to hear it. Dogs are such wonderful animals, I've always had 'em and always will. It's especially tough how we live longer than they do so we welcome them into our lives and then we have to see them go. Maybe there'll be a new puppy or a rescue pup in your future when the time is right.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Sorry to hear, Tippo, and I can't imagine watching her loss like that.

 

[Siseneg]

Sorry about you loss. What a noble animal and a good friend. I hope all your memories will be forever fond. I miss my favorite canine friend too but still cherish the good times.

 

[rem]

I wrote this a few years ago for a friend who had lost her most loving companion .... hope it's okay to share it here. R


DOGMA


They greet you in the morning with a smile that overflows
A lick, a touch, a gentle nudge - their eyes bright and aglow
They place the total of their souls in hands so safe and strong
They know they’ll find contentment there, where nothing can go wrong

This awesome trust was placed in us, so many leagues ago
It spans the generations of the ages’ ceaseless flow
A union built with probity, a contract clad with faith
An alliance formed to shield from harm this most astounding race

The bond that forms is stronger than a mighty mace of steel
A commitment made of heart and mind, sanctioned with a timeless seal
A noble pact that stays intact forever and a day
As one protects the other, keeping danger well at bay

Of all the special things a mind has been so blessed to see
There is no greater gift to take into eternity
This ageless, awesome partnership of humble man and beast
A compact rare, an equal pair - where neither one is least

A companion of the first degree, a partner and a friend
A discrete and prudent confidant, to share with at day’s end
With a friendly growl, no better pal to make your spirit soar
And make your heart so grateful for the closeness you adore

Whatever job needs to be done, they’re there as quick as that
And all they long for in return is a friendly, loving pat
They’ll lick your face or run a race, it’s all the same to them
And they’ll follow you right into hell, still tugging at your hem

Sometimes it gets the best of me when I try to think it through
This most amazing brotherhood, and the time it took to brew
A kinship of such elegance, an example for all time
Each one tuned to the other’s tune, their meter, song and rhyme

Acquaintances are as they are - some better than the rest
And family you don’t get to choose, you just can’t pick the best
But there is one special comrade that the gods saw fit to send
An extraordinary ally that’s your friend until the end

I thank whomever loaned these ones I do so much adore
For each and every day they make my heart and spirit soar
I love my own so much that tears will often stain my face
As I think ahead and start to dread my last heartfelt embrace

 

[~TABASCO~]

Sorry for your loss, im a dog daddy too......

I gotta post pictures of my kids. Im a softy for my dogs! My girl is very smart, she knows a ton of tricks. She knows left from right. And knows colors too...... The boy, not so much.. He is smart but obstinate.... they are good kids though... I love'em.....

Here is my girl Felony

My boy Diesel... He is much bigger now and built like a diesel engine....

My girl

 

[ThatsLife]

Here is my girl Felony

What breed is your dog, Jaxon?

A good friend of mine took in a dog years ago that looks just like her but he never has figured out the breed. He is chocolate in color and is big in size but maybe not as stalky as your beasts but that "mug" is indistinguishable. When he took him in he was was in pretty bad shape but now he is a awesome healthy dog. He named him "Buddy".

 

[~TABASCO~]

Both are Pit Bull... "terrier"

 

[True Grip]

Sorry about Ruby Tippo, easy to see why they are called mans best friend.

 

[creggur]

So sorry to read of your loss... Two weeks ago I lost my best friend of 15 years to old-age (Basset Hound). I'm teary eyed right now reading all of this - he was all I could think about on my ride this morning. His ashes now rest on my mantle - miss you Dusty...

And Godspeed Ruby!