Farewell Old Friend

Many of you will remember way back into ancient times, probably almost pre-historic in doggy years, when I was an 8 week old puppy and first came to live with my family. If your memory isn't that good, or perhaps you never read it, here's the link to refresh the story. Remi, the old, retired livestock guardian dog, was my best friend. I snuggled into her warm fur and enjoyed many hours of entertainment playing with her tail. She always tried to be patient with me except when I bit through the fur and actually connected with what was underneath. She let me know she wasn't happy about that and I learned to control my bites. I guess I was stronger that I realized and combined with those needle sharp puppy teeth, I'm sure I hurt her, for which I'm very sorry.

Remi and her friend Gabriel

When we left for our road trip in December Remi went to stay at a friend's house where she fell in love with the children and the baby goats. She liked it there so much she decided to stay permanently. She did very well even though she was 14 years old which, I'm told, is extremely old for a Great Pyrenees. But last month her body failed her and she died. I'm not sure what all that entails but Mom said I'd have to wait till I die to see her again. Since I'm only 9 months old I assume that will be a long time. She is buried up on the hill next to her old friend Gabriel, who passed away a few years ago. I never met him but if Remi loved him then I'm sure he was a great guy. I just know their reunion was glorious and they're running together through the fields.

Baby goat keeping warm with Remi

Mom said Remi was the best guardian dog she ever met. She was gentle with all the babies yet was tough enough to tree bears and chase off coyotes. She was very sick just before she came here but was nursed back to health by a friend in TN, who we got to visit this past winter. That's where she met Gabriel and they became fast friends. She came to live with us when she was 10 months old. Gabriel joined her a few years later. Of course, all that was way before my time.

Remi loved children and baby animals, except baby chickens who she affectionately named "chicken nuggets". But she was fine with them after they got older. She took care of the baby goats and lambs like they were her own puppies. She cleaned them, kept them warm, and watched over them to make sure they didn't become a snack for coyotes, fishers, owls and hawks.

So goodbye old friend, until we see each other on the other side of the rainbow bridge. You've earned your rest by a life well lived!

--Cruz