Friday, October 27, 2006

 

Suzie - 1992-2006



My darling dog Suzie passed away today due to breast cancer. She was 14.

I found Suzie in 1992. She was a stray that my neighbors took care of for a few days. My previous dog Duke had died six months earlier. They recommended I take her. They'd already named her Suzie. She was so adorable - all white hair with pointy ears and a bushy tail - that I couldn't refuse. I took her out for a quick walk, then let her into my apartment and went off to work. When I came home, everything was fine. Then I took her out and she almost ran away. But I caught her and started the training process.

I never knew how old she was - though she was full grown, I figured she couldn't have been more than a year old. She was definitely a pup. She was a mutt - but in time I figured out that she was mostly American Eskimo or spitz. I just called her the White Fox from the North. My mythical story had her traveling south through Canada to New York where she wound up on my Brooklyn doorstep.

Well, she sure tore up the apartment that first year - grawing through plastic bottles, cd covers, wooden spoons. Fortunately, she left shoes and furniture alone.

Suzie was quite the athlete. She could catch anything. I'd toss her scraps. She'd never miss. It became our pet trick.

One day when I was throwing her a ball I noticed her catch it over her shoulder. I took her out to the park with a Frisbee. I flinged it and she went right after it and snatched it out of the air. Suzie was a Frisbee dog.

Suzie and I did some traveling together. We went to a few Dead shows and Rainbow Gatherings (Alabama, 1994; Ithaca, 1995). She was a great traveling companion.

But mostly Suzie was an urban hound. In her younger years, she'd claim alpha rights over all females, but mellowed as she grew older. Of course, she loved males dogs.

When Suzie was 8 or so, I got her a male companion - Wiggles the beagle. He was given to me by my brother and sister-in-law. He was four and hadn't been behaving. But with a little help from me and Suzie, Wiggles soon became well-trained. They were a terrific pair.

If you're going to have dogs, I highly recommend having two so that they can keep each other company. Another thing was that Suzie had been diagnosed with arthritis. I'm convinved that having Wiggles to play with made her more active and may have extended her life. That and steady doses of Arthogen kept her hind legs limber.

I also have two cats - Minnie and Lennon - who got along great with Suzie. Let's face it, I'm an animal lover.

Over the last few years Suzie began to slow down. She had developed some intestinal problems. She also had a small tumor removed from her outer skin. Then the breast cancer hit and there was no stopping its detemined advance through her body.

Today, my veterinarian, Dr. Roy Appel gave me the difficult diagnosis. I had to let her go.

To all the dog owners out there - be kind to your dogs. They truly are our best friends.

Adios, dear Suzie.

Comments:
So sorry to hear about your loss - Suzie was a great dog.

-craig
 
Rest in Peace Suzie. You were always so fun and happy. Instead of wagging just your tail, you wagged your whole rear end. You helped me feel better after I busted my face as well. I'll miss your enthusiasm and sheer joy. Steve, you did an amazing thing for this dog and she repayed you with years of unconditional love. What could be better in life?

-Danny Danko
 
Aw, man. That's sad. Sorry to hear it, Bloom. Warm and fuzzies all around anyway.
 
Steve,
Very sorry to hear about Suzie. That was a great piece you did about her. Love you cuz.
Neil
 
A wonderful post, Steve. I'm very sorry to hear about Suzie but it's clear that she was a great friend and companion for lots of years...and that's better than many people ever get to experience. All the best, man...
 
I too am very saddened by the news of Suzie's passing, and wish all my blessings to Bloom, Suzie, Wiggles, and the kitties. Our prayers are with you. Much Love from Melissa, Craig, Nightshade, Sparky, and the kitties.
 
so sorry steve...i've lost several cats over the years, including my fat little white cat Bill in March, so I know how hard it is. my heart goes out to you. at least she had a long, full and happy life

- Rob
 
I recently lost one of my dear animals, my cat of two years named Lemmy.

I feel your loss. The pain is like losing a part of yourself.

You and Suzy are in my thoughts

-Jeff Wood
 
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