Thursday, January 31, 2008

R.I.P., Red October

1 Oct 1994 - 31 Jan 2008
A.K.A. Brandeis, Diceman, Bando, Redoct, B-Dawg, Bandokins, Mr. Dawg, Special Dog, Alpha Dog, Marine.






This guy was a Dawg among dogs. In his day, he:
  • Dominated different off-the-leash parks like a congenial and gentle bouncer in his immaculate, three-piece suit which no quadruped or biped would dare sniff or touch without permission.
  • Made the Brown Trout Doberman Pinscher calendar three times in four years.
  • demonstrated Frisbee and tennis virtuosity with breath-taking hang-times and over-the-shoulder catches.
  • Learned how to swim and surf at the age of seven so that predatory Labradors could no longer steal his Frisbees or sticks.
  • Serially killed intruders (no cats!) in home and yard, recording a two-digit body-count.
  • Risked his life foolishly pursuing coyotes and Snowy Plovers for hours.
  • Always welcomed grandchildren (6!) as a host, playmate and protector.
  • Never lost a family wrestling match or game of 'lap-nip'.
  • Maintained a perfect record as a watch-dog for one and a third decades, barking only at barkable offenses.
  • Learned how to walk the neighborhood without no stinkin' leash. (the most reliable early morning, crack-of-dawn blogger in the neighborhood).
  • Served as extra, living, and breathing bed-warmer and blanket in winters.
  • Exhibited perfect table manners - always walking through the house after a meal to find and thank the cook.
  • Enthusiastically washed dishes 24-7 (never drying!).
  • Loved, parks, hills, forests, beaches and car rides - even if they were just for errands - to the very end.
We aged and grew wise together. From where will my wisdom come now? In the end, the best we could give you is a comfortable, painless release from a long life, fully lived. No tears from here. Only cheers....

8 Moderated Comments:

Blogger Pink Liberty said...

What a beautiful post. Very inspiring. Thanks!

1/31/2008 10:22:00 PM  
Blogger Valley Dude said...

Sounds like a wonderful friend.

2/01/2008 07:56:00 AM  
Blogger Kentucky Rain said...

I am shocked! Vigil you have lost your least judgmental friend. I know the feeling. I am so sorry.....

2/01/2008 04:53:00 PM  
Blogger LittleBill said...

My heart breaks!

2/01/2008 06:28:00 PM  
Blogger Commander Zaius said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

2/01/2008 06:51:00 PM  
Blogger MBW said...

Condolences Vigil.

I too had a Doberman long ago, when he died, I couldn't get myself to own one again.

2/03/2008 03:14:00 PM  
Blogger E said...

Vigilante!
I am so sorry to read of Bando's passing. He was a remarkable creature without equal. As Byron wrote:
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog." ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, "Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog"

2/04/2008 09:32:00 PM  
Blogger Stella by Starlight said...

I'm so sorry. My condolences come far too late, vigilante.

I lost my best feline friend eight years ago and deeply understand the loss of our furry friends.

I wish I could say something to help other than "I'm sorry."

2/07/2008 12:51:00 AM  

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