#68: R.I.P. BUSTER, May 5, 2000 - February 27, 2012 March 1, 2012
It was hard deciding which baby Beagle to choose among all the pups that were scattered on the ground before me. Each of them yelping, whimpering and stumbling over one another because somehow, all those darlings beneith me knew that then was the chance to shine and show off their stuff. I remember just how difficult it was distinguishing one from the other or which one was a boy or which was a girl. Which one did I want? Which one had the best markings? Which of those adorable bundles of love would come home with me to take part in its first family Sunday dinner at my parents house almost 13 years ago this coming May, 2012.
The decision was hard. There were just too many! They were too cute! Too adorable...
The debate was on and somehow I had worked myself up.
Then… out came the last pup in all his glory. He whimpered the most. He pushed his way through the other pups and like the under dog he appeared to be and the runt of the group, he stood proud on top of my shoe, fixed his eyes on mine, and he whizzed right there on my shoe like it was no big deal. I remember how confident he stood while doing it. A very proud dog he was. And as quickly as the debate started, it ended.
I became a father that day. 
For days I debated what to call my new puppy and he didn’t make it any easier in trying to think of one. Oh he was into everything and that nose, that Beagle nose of his led him on his path of destruction, mischievous behavior, attacks on the cats and all the rabbits within the reach of his stubby and clumsy paws. I thought maybe Gizmo but he didn't really resemble a Gremlin. I thought about a more human like name such as Fred or Bob but those just didn't seem to fit this swirling puppy in my life at that time. More days went by and I found myself calling him "little bastard" because no matter what, he had always been into something and that something was never good. I told myself "he's a puppy" and I drew on my long history of family pets and dogs but for some reason, this pup defied my vast experience of dog reering.
I recognized that stubborn streak that he displayed and quickly realized just how much like me he really was.
I finally came up with Buster (still not sure how or really why that name landed in my head but it did and it stuck) which fit him perfectly and with the appropriate name came the most colorful, varied and interesting personality I had never seen before even in my history of many past family dogs. Buster EXPLODED those months afterwards and those months turned into years a deeply rooted bond that only a man and his dog can understand and appreciate.
Last night was a very special and momentous time for not just myself but for my long time companion and well known friend, Buster. Last night, February 27th at 8:23PM CST, my most lovable Buster peacefully passed away in my arms surrounded by those who loved him very dearly shortly after returning from my trip in DC. Everything happened so quickly that other than the obvious, there wasn’t much that could have been done for him. It was just too sudden. Too fast for us to save him and save him in a way that he would lead a good quality of life and not be hampered by complications. Simply put... his body wasn't strong enough but JUST strong enough that he waited for me to arrive which was and will always be thankful for and point to that as a testament to how strong our bond was. A man and his dog. THIS man's bestest friend.
To my little Buster I say go forward little man and don't look back because I will be okay and I'm smiling at you every moment of the day in my head and in my dreams. But don't forget about me when my time comes and when it does, I look forward to being reunited yet again. I've never had a friend like you and I know that I won't again but I take comfort in knowing that I had so much time with such a special guy such as yourself. Somewhere in the Universe our two stars were meant to ride high in the sky together so look for me because I'll be looking for you. So many people have sent in the most beautiful cards, short letters of goodbye, flowers and plants for you, little man. I have been touched at just how many people have always remembered you and the last couple of days, they've been thinking of you and honoring your absence in our lives. You really were something, buddy!
I love you, Boo-boo!
See you in my dreams, little man.