Oscar came into our lives after the passing of our beloved Maltipoos Muffin and Boogy. We did not want a dog so soon, but he was in a pet shop that was going out of business, and we were worried about what would happen to him. so we came home with a 10lb zooming bundle of white fur, a beautiful bichon we named Oscar.
He was more than a handful at first- climbed on tables, ate wallpaper, flew through the house with wild abandon. over time, he settled in and became my best friend and a great little dog. he was my shadow.
At age 7 he had a bad accident- got out of the house and was hit by a car. One leg was broken in 3 places and recovery took a while, but he came back almost 100%. the vet called him miracle man.
I remember all those goofy things you did. running to the door when I said "Daddy's home" to greet him. then you two would chase each other up and down the hall. after dinner it was mom's turn- for some reason, you had to climb in my lap and lick my knees. without fail every nite. I miss the sound of you scratching at the cabinet for a snack. you did it so much that the cabinet has grooves in it. a permanent reminder of you! one other funny thing you did- most dogs bite a toy to make it squeak, but you poked your nose into it. and so many more little things that I love about you and now miss.
One of Oscar's biggest fears was thunderstorms. he would try and escape out the dog door whenever he knew one was coming. other than that, he loved everything and everyone- never met a stranger. well, once he did. when we brought home a hurricane adoptee, Felix from New Orleans. took him a while to warm up to him, but they became friends.
As Oscar aged we began to notice those things that come with older dogs. He could not jump up on the bed and couch like he used to. toys held less interest, altho he loved to rip open presents at Christmas. his hearing was starting to go as well. somehow,tho, he always managed to hear the sound of the cutting board!
In February of 2007 we noticed he sounded stuffed up, as if he had a cold, and was snoring more than usual. the vet thought he had an infection but antibiotics had no effect. later on, he began getting nosebleeds. we took him to a specialist for a test that sadly, showed he had cancer in his nose. they said there was nothing they could do, especially in a 13 yr old dog. it was only a matter of time. he was doing pretty well but 2 weeks later he woke up and the tumor had grown, his eye was swollen closed and he was whimpering. he also refused his snack that morning, and usually he could eat them 24/7. we knew then it was time. when we got to the vet, we usually have to hold him on the table because he hates the place. this time, he laid down and put his head on his paws. I knew then he was letting me know my decision was right.
I stayed with him to the end, which was very quick. petted him and told him what a brave good boy he was, and thanked him for all the love over 13 years. there will never be another like him. I miss my guy every day.
As I look back, only 3 months now, I am glad for his sake that his illness was quick, rather than lingering. the day before he passed, he was happy, wagging and eating. we should all be so lucky. Dad planted a pretty tulip magnolia in the yard for him, with a little plastic squirrel beside it. how he loved chasing them!
Goodbye little man ( his nickname). run free at the bridge, no pain, no thunder, all the puperoni you can eat. we will be together soon. Remember our song- You're my Best Friend by Queen
"Today I loved you most of all- Today I let you go"
update March 30, 2008
hard to believe it has been almost a year without you, little man. a year on April 2. mom and dad still miss so many things about you. Kramer and Felix keep us busy and entertained, but you will always be our first boy. Kramer even does some things that remind us of you. your pretty little tree is blooming, I know you would love it. you always loved to be in your yard. we hope you are happy and healthy at the bridge, and have lots of friends there. wait for us, my little Oscar man- we will all be together again. you are forever in our hearts
April 2, 2009
hard to believe we have been apart for 2 years tomorrow. mom and dad still miss you so much, we will be lighting your candle. we think about you every day and you will always be in our hearts. Felix and Kramer say hello also. you were such a good boy compared to those two! they always seem to get into trouble. I hope you are enjoying the bridge and getting all the pupperoni you want. we love you always