A MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Today is a very sad day. My daughter’s dog, Stoney, a seventeen year old English “Staffie” is being put down and laid to rest. To those who know me and visit my home and office see my little “mutt” Maggie May always by my side. She is my constant companion virtually 24/7. My traveling has been severely curtailed since my two dogs Lovee (passed away in 2008) and Maggie May came into my life. But it was Stoney, who actually taught me many years ago that man’s best friend is indeed his dog. My first investment after starting CII was to buy a small apartment in N.Z. It needed major remodeling and I went the full nine yards to make into a little home. I was staying there in the middle of one those bleak N.Z. winters when daughter Jane dropped by one evening to say hello. Knowing I wasn’t a “dog man” she left Stoney out in the freezing hallway. When I discovered the “young man” was outside the door, I had a look through the peep hole to check if he was okay. The poor little fellow was shivering to death staring at the door handle. I had no option but to open the door and invite him in. Stoney thought he was handed a million dollars and could not thank me enough. From that day Stoney bonded with me and every time I visited N.Z. my little mate felt with my presence he was in hog’s heaven! He never forgot my gesture of accepting him into my home.

Six years ago Jane took over the property and 4/32 Coates Ave became then Stoney’s own home. He guarded and protected his family and home even to the point no birds, especially seagulls, were allowed to perch on the terrace railing. But he was a wonderful host. He could always detect the smell and footsteps of visitors and everyone who entered his home was always handed a royal reception. He was an independent and enterprising little fellow too. Across the road in the village shopping center was Ceasar’s, the local bar and pizza joint. Each evening, once he got the whiff of pizzas in the oven, he would pop over and catch up with the patrons. His role was more of the local Mayor than anything else. He walked always with his head held high and a steadfast gait so he looked every bit like the first class citizen he was. Of course he never said no to food, but all the locals respected Stoney’s status and greeted and treated him with love and good spirit. He was such a happy chappy who put so much purpose into his and others’ lives.

I could write a book about Stoney’s experiences, all good. He broke his tail twice while out on adventures but never winced at the pain he was going through. He was a brave dog and like a macho man, he was no wuss; he never complained! I loved Stoney and he loved me. Old age finally caught up on him. Too many swims chasing seagulls off the beach and into the water led to water in the ears causing a little deafness in his final years. Arthritis slowed him down too. His healthy black glossy coat started going gray especially around his head; But his beautiful black eyes, eyes of love, remained the same. All his years, he mainly communicated by twitching his ears and tilting his head; barking was only a last resort in order to be heard. Ever since Stoney came into my life, many things about me changed. First and foremost I went from a cat lover to an animal lover, with dogs representing what is best about having a pet. Today I live on my own and my two cats, dawg and I lead a fulfilling life in absolute harmony. Stoney taught me to think of others. He showed me what unconditional love is all about. I owe Stoney heaps. So please bear with me as I relate this story of a little black dog that brought so much joy and happiness into the Keeling family, especially me.

Tags: pets