Good Dog, Happy Man

I have a Bill Frisell CD called Good Dog, Happy Man, and that's the phrase that's been floating around in my brain all evening. Our 11-year-old Samoyed, Princie, went on to the great dog park in the sky today, wracked by epileptic seizures and felled by a mercy shot of sodium pentathol that took the vet eight tries and 30 minutes to inject into my canine friend's weary, infirm veins.

That's a picture of him in better times, having a little fur-fest with my wife.

Princie wasn't fast, or smart, or gifted in any way I can think of. But he was Good. He didn't have a mean bone in his body, nor ever a snarl on his lips. Even as he trudged off into his twilight years, when grumpiness is a well-earned frailty in other dogs, he was fantastically patient with my then-one-year-old adopted daughter when she joined our family. He showed her more understanding and instant forgiveness than the little intruder into our pack had any right to expect, allowing her to climb all over him, and stoically enduring her clumsy, sometimes less than gentle love pats.

Good dog, happy man. As a professional curmudgeon, happy isn't my natural state, but Princie unfailingly softened my calloused heart.

Thanks so much, my lovely buddy. We'll all miss you.

Comments

[K. Dale Boley]

I saw a PBS Nova episode that said some scientist think that man's early domestication of dogs, our ability to share our homes with them, helped mankind to survive. Faced with predators, rival hominids, and all manner of nastiness, dogs stood as our guardians and sentries. I think they still make our worlds a great deal more survivable. Truly mankind's best friend. Thanks Dog.

[Mike]

Roger,

Non-dog people don't truly understand how much they bring to our lives. My best to you and yours during this time.

M

[David]

Rogier,

My condolences. Losing a pet is much tougher than people would believe.

[Barbara]

So sorry to receive notice that Princie died. He was a beautuful, majestic hulk of fur and friendliness. I'm sure you're all bereft of his presence in your home. He's probably bangin' back a few beers with Murphy as we morn his passing.

Barbara

[Leah]

I'm so sorry...

[Barbara Deal]

Rogier,
I am so sorry to hear about Princie's passing. I only new him for the one week we spent at your house this summer, but I thought he was a beautiful and wonderful dog and this news brought tears to my eyes. To lose a pet is to lose a member of your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Barb

[anne Hughes]

I wish there was some way to love these creatures and not be so devastated by their passing, but Princie had indeed quietly inhabited our hearts, especially yours, without much fuss, and his good spirit has left a hole... your tribute made me cry. I still miss Laska.