R.I.P. BuddurDog

“It’s true, Buddurdog was put to sleep this morning. I wish it wouldn’t have ended this way, that he would’ve grown old and passed on in old age, but I had to put him down. He was about 9 ¾ years old.

His hip had been lame for about 2 years now, and the vets all said it was displasia and/or arthritis, so we went with that general consensus. Buddur was to the point where he wasn’t using that back leg anymore. Well, last month a vet specialist in Akron, OH found a large tumor in his hip and x-rays showed the tumor had eaten away and wasted his hip bone and even the last rib closest to the hip. There was no remedy.

The past week Buddur wasn’t eating as he usually did, and the past few days you could see it in his eyes that something was bothering him. Yesterday, he couldn’t get up the one step to get to the kitchen. I didn’t want him to lose his dignity, which was beginning to happen, and things simply would’ve gotten worse for him, therefore a decision had to be made.

My fiancé and I and a few friends took Buddur camping near our stomping grounds, at a location where you can simply drive up to a campsite beside a stream. He got lots of loving, and even ate the exotic dog food our friends brought for him. I gave him a fresh tennis ball and one of the best sticks I could find to chew on. He got some good backrubs which really put a smile on his face. Late night, when I pitched the tent and got it ready for us to crash, he immediately made his way in there and staked his claim to the most comfy spot like he always did. This morning he actually ventured into the water where he fell and laid there seemingly happy to be laying in the cool water.

When we broke camp and got out of the valley where there was no cell phone reception I called a local vet who accepted us. Buddur was put to sleep around 10:40am, to be cremated and I want to spread his ashes at a few of his favorite places.

I did not know it was supposed to or there was a chance of rain, but the sky’s opened up with a downpour almost if not to the second he passed on. It was very symbolic, as if the sky was crying also. When I got home, and cleaned out the car, thinking I had bagged up all the trash especially the beer bottles last night, I found a Magic Hat cap that I did not see last night, and on the underside it read “Dogs are king of everything.” Buddur was the king of my world, as he taught me so much about life and living. I couldn’t have asked for better dog, mild-mannered, quiet, obedient, always stayed near me and never ran off, all the traits one would want in a dog. He was my hiking buddy when there was noone to go hiking with, I was never alone even when hiking solo.

I could go on and on, but I’ll cut it short. This is a pretty sad day for me as I feel such an emptiness inside, but I know I did the right thing. I haven’t done any hiking since Buddur started going lame as he was my inspiration to get out in the first place. We hiked a lot of trails together and it just didn’t seem the same without him. Maybe now y’all will see me on a trail somewhere, hopefully.

If anyone who has hiked with or has heard anything about Buddur has any stories they’d like to share, I’d love to hear them. But please don’t let this turn into a “dogs on the trail” debate, as there are already threads suited for that topic. Ma”

“Buddur, I am so very sorry and sadend by your loss. I know how much you loved BuddurDog.

last edited: 5/12/07 12:25:48 PM”

“So sorry for your loss. Remember the good times you had on the trail with your buddy, it will always bring a smile to your face.”

“Damn, just damn.
I am so sorry.
last edited: 5/12/07 1:15:15 PM”

“Buddur! I can't top the eight people and a dog in the Mapleleaf Motel night we had in the Daks. He was a good doggie, my friend. He will be missed by us and obviously, most of all, by you. R.I.P little guy! Peace to you, Bro...

Stu”

“Big hugs to you!”

“Buddurdog was an awesome soul. Friendly, happy-go-lucky, and always a devoted trail companion. How sad to lose such a great friend. Sorry Buddur.
:(”

“Good shot, Bobo!”

“Buddur-

I'm sorry to hear the sad news about BuddurDog. Although I never met him, I enjoyed reading about your adventures together and looking at the pictures. I lost Merlin, my 13 year old Golden, last October. I know what you are going through. Know in your heart that you did the right thing and that he'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Skiracer

”

“Damn.

I know that was especially hard, but I know you did the right thing. I never got the chance to hike with BuddurDog but I heard the stories, second or third-hand.

Our thoughts are with you.”

“God it hurts to read this...


Here is the second part to Rainbow Bridge that made me a Rescuer

Rainbow Bridge Rescuers



Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But, the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Rainbow Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Rainbow Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over The Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of the animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?" asked the first animal.

"That was a rescuer." replied the second. "The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge."
Author Unknown”

“I am very sorry to hear. I am also sad on this day along with you Tom. I was always envious of your wonderful and friendly traildog, BuddurDog.

”

“So sad, its never easy, my condolences to you.”

“I'm truly sorry. I know how hard it is.

He'll be missed.”

“That really sucks. One doesn't even have to meet you to know how much your dog meant to you. From what I've heard, dogs like Buddur are once in a lifetime deals.

It's sad that you were faced with that decision too soon.”

“condolences. altho i dont have a dog, there usually a traildog on my backpacking trips, as someone often brings one: sully, mugsy, angie, trixie, and many others have always made the trail a fun place, and im always a little disapppointed when no one brings a dog

r.i.p. lil budder”

“i'm sorry budder. sounds like your lil budder was a cool dog.”

“So sorry about your loss.”

“So sorry.”

“Dude...sorry to hear the news.”

“That's a moving story - so sorry you lost your friend. He also sounds like a great dog that you shared some wonderful times with.”

“Tom, you're breakin' my heart.

That trip to the Santanoni Range with Buddur Labor Day Weekend 2004 was probably his last real butt-kicker.
Those were my first three Adirondack peaks and the toughest, or so they say.
Helping Buddur get up and over in some places was a joy where hands were needed and feet alone wouldn't do.
Buddur was such a good boy through all that and he certainly seemed to loved every minute of that great adventure.
I'm glad I got to spend some time with Buddur last June in West Virginia.....and you too, Tom.

Buddur, the sky is cryin' tonight in my town.
You were the best!”

“I am *so* sorry to hear of your loss...losing a furry friend is so very hard.

I lost my buddy, Bear, two months ago and things just haven't been right since then. Reading the two Rainbow Bridge pieces above had me crying like a baby.

Here's a photo of my Bear, Buddur. If you see him, please keep him company for me. *scratches ears*
”

“Having/taking one last opportunity for a happy memory in the face of the inevitable is the right thing, and I'm glad that you were able to have one last trip with him to offset the harsher events. All your stories of him were so filled with love and joy, the loss is immeasurable but he will never be forgotten. The memories will live on, even those who never met him but only saw your posts and pictures will no doubt remember him as well. My condolences for your loss.”

“I wish there was something for me to say that would ease the emptiness that you must feel. I never met budderdog but certainly can relate to your bond with him. What a gift you have given him in a last night being with you, doing what you both loved and sparing him last memories of pain and suffering.

Tears........”

“well when I think of you two this is what I think..

your van was the mystery mobil
you were shaggy
buddurdog was scooby.



You will be sooo missed on the trail. You were the best trail dog I have ever hiked with. You made us smile and laugh.

To buddur and buddurdog....



HEAVEN'S DOGGY-DOOR

My best friend closed his eyes last
night, As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through
my head, As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart thats filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door"!

--- Jan Cooper --- 1995
last edited: 5/13/07 7:37:09 AM”

“sorry to hear Buddhur.......I've lost a two great dogs so far........
heaven isn't too far off though and I will get to see Book and Molly again to romp and play........at least that is my hope..........”

“Buddur was always a good pal in camp, especially if you were sitting down to eat.
He was your best friend and a most attentive moocher always ready to help you with your chow.

I didn't go along but I enjoyed reading about you two guys bushwacking in the Cranberry Wilderness Area, a place I know well.”

“so sorry.....hugs :(”

“Budder's partly the reason I have Honey Dog. The first time I ever got to hike with Tom and Budder was in southern Ohio on the Burr Oak Trail. He was such a fun dog and I was overwhelmed by his need of people. From the story of how Tom came to have Budder showed that Tom too needed him.

The day finally came when I had my own golden and she could go for her first backpacking trip. She was only about six months. She and Budder got along great and they were inseperable. They wrestled and humped the whole weekend! Honey and I still carry lessons we both learned from Tom and Budder.

I'm so sorry for your loss Tom.”

“I am really sorry Buddur. I never had the priviledge to hike with Buddur Dog, but so many TTers talk fondly of him and tell stories about him, I always felt like I knew him. He will surely be missed by all of us!”

“Thanks guys, and thanks for the pictures. I'd love to see more.

It's been a wierd 24+ hours because Buddur was just as much of a sidekick to me, except for work, he was always with me everywhere I went.

I already vacuumed out the car and used sticky tape to try to remove his hair from teh material. I even repaired the armrest between the driver and passenger seats that his paws and claws virtually destroyed. All that hair, boy could he shed, but he was worth every hair.

Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing again and meeting some of you on the trail in the near future. Which by the way, I'm getting married on THIS Saturday July 7, and am having a large party/concert/overnight-campout reception. Y'all are welcome to come and campout and enjoy the festivities...to be announced soon .”

“So sorry to hear this. Sounds like he gave him the best possible send-off. You did right by him when the time came. I wish it hadn't come so soon.”

“Tom, you gots mail......”

“My condolences are with you. You and BuddurDog are brave.

Have a fun and fantastic wedding! It's nice to be able to balance the grief in your life with happiness.”

“Sorry :-(”

“Man, what a bummer. For one of the few times in my life, I can honestly say that I'm grieving over a pet. I'm allergic to dogs, so I never had one as a kid, and am not the most comfortable person around them. Most dogs are the kind that jump on you, drool, bark, or rub on ya.... they are being dogs! :) Buddur was not your typical dog.

He was one special dog. With the exception of Tara's Sadie And AmyG's dog, there has never been another dog that I acutally thought "man, it would be great to have a friend like this dog" which is how I felt about Buddurdog. He had every characteristic that Tom described, and was so damned loyal to Tom, it's like they were two connected souls.

Here's a great Buddurdog story.

Buddur, Skullcap, Gonzo and myself hiked the North Fork Trail during the Leoniod (sp)Meteor Showers a few years ago. After a long first day, we set up camp, and ole' Budderdog was horney as hell, and tryin' his best with Skully's young philly of a dog. I mean, he had his GAME ON! We all had a good laugh.

Buddurdog, you were one hell of a trail dog, best friend to Tom, and friend to all of the TT'rs. You will be missed.

My condolances Tom.

Jay”

“Sorry to hear that bro. I lost my dog a few years ago, I hate it when they go.”

“I never met Buddurdog, but have heard so much about him over the years here I feel a loss too.

RIP doggy.”

“sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed reading about your adventures together.
I never met the guy but he will be missed all the same.”

“Buddurdog was the best and I'm sorry for your loss. I've hiked with him a few times and he was always a pleasure to be with.”

“Tom, I'm so sorry. I know he took a up a big chunk of your heart. He was truly a special dog. I have never met a better trail dog and seriously wonder if I ever will. Buddur was a gentledog. The goodtimes with you and Buddur dog are some of my best hiking memories. I never met another dog that loved Hendrix so much, or knew what to say if Britney Spears walked by, or knew how to stop drop and roll. He was a wonderful friend. He'll be in my memories always. Thanks for sharing him with us while he was here.
Hugs to you and congratulations on finding your partner. Blessings.”

“Very sorry. I remember hiking with him on the West Rim Trail.”

“Whenever I open up a thread like this I know tears are on the way...there is something so devastating about losing a pet, a 4-legged soulmate, a friend...I feel, and have felt, your loss...bon courage”

“I'm terribly sorry. I believe you did what had to be done - but I know it's hard.

Take care.

Doug”

“the very best trail dog there ever was....

buddurdog was the very first tt'er i ever met....he came running to greet me at the first tt outing i ever went on and immediately put me at ease with his friendly welcome....

as buddhabear noted above, buddurdog was definitely "on his game" on that north fork trail hike and kept us all entertained with his lingering passion for skully's dog scooby-doo.... that's a great memory....

i know how much he meant to you, tom, and i think you also know that he meant a lot to many, many people that he came into contact with during his lifetime....

he was a fine dog and he will be missed....”

“Damn, even though he couldn't type, he was a vicarious member of the TT clan. Sorry to hear about this. Great dogs are hard to come by...”

“During the Tracy Ridge outing a few years back, buddurdog tried to tap wolfsisters pooch so many times. He chased her around one night in camp and wolf's dog jump up on the picnic table (with a bunch of us sitting around it) to get away from buddurdogs "advances". lol

I loved hiking with him; he was one of those dogs that no matter how you tried, you couldn't completely describe just how phucking awesome that dog was. The times I've spent hiking with buddurdog were very special to me and I will never forget them. He was a trail veteran; a fantastic hiking partner and I will truly miss him.

Take care, Tom.”