So long

So long, Mister B.

Jade was six when she got her puppy, Brando, aka Mister B. He was half German Shepherd and half Australian Shepherd.
When he was a pup, he went to obedience school. He behaved all right. You might say he listened to his own drummer, emotional, but with a gentle beat. He was a good dog, loyal and protecting.
.
He has been with Jade every day and every night since she was in first grade, through high school, and into college. Fourteen years.
Today, she had to make the hardest decision of her life. She and Deb sat in the treatment room of the vet’s hospital. The doctor said it was their choice. Her mom said it was hers.
Should Mister B be brought home to sleep maybe only a few more nights in his own bed, beside hers? Or should he be given his last hug, tears and good-by right then.
Her mom said , "See, if you didn’t have dogs, you wouldn’t have to go through this."
Jade replied, as only a dog lover can: "If you don’t have dogs, you don’t have any true friends"
The love of pets runs in the family. Except for me. I liked them all right, but didn’t have that connection, that warm and fuzzy love the rest of the family has.
Until now. With the passing of Brando, I started thinking of all the dogs that have given their unconditional love and loyalty to us.
Most of them were labs, but there were a few mutts long the way. They joined the family as pups, and lived out their life expectancy, almost all of them getting to fourteen years.
Ted was fourteen when he got Dallas, and shortly after, the kids’ aunt brought over two litter mates that needed a home. For several years our bungalow was full with seven people, three dogs, and a stray cat that decided to have her kittens in our garage.
After Dallas, Austin, the chocolate lab came along. Tracy had Medina, another lab, through her moves from Florida to Indiana and back to Illinois. Now she has three dogs, those knowing her knows she is a sucker for an animal that needs a home and love.
Kelly’s family had Sammy, the bulldog, there to stand guard for Paige and Sam.

They all had a good life, about fourteen years, a good long run for a dog, I am told.
When we lose a pet and say, "No more dogs!" we know it’s a lie.
Eventually another dog or two or three became a part of the family. They don’t take the place of the others. They squirm and bark and beg and take your heart in their own special way.
When the time is right, Jada will make the same decision, and a new puppy will join the family.
If there is a doggie heaven, they will all be there. So long, Mister B, Dallas, Austie, Medina, Huggy, Ole, Sammy, Jordan and Tyson. You were loved and won’t be forgotten.
Even when we’re sad, we have to eat. Comfort food is on the menu. To me, the best comfort meal is meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and vegetable. Cooking may not be high on the list right now. Veggies can be frozen, the mashed potatoes at the store are really good. You can get already cut up salad. A good easy gravy is mushroom soup, sour cream, and a dash of Gravy Master. Then all the attention can be on making the meat loaf.
Mom’s Meat Loaf
from McCall’s Magazine, October, 1997
This is for two loafs, one can be frozen to have another time.
You will need:
1 T olive oil
3 cups chopped onion
1 ½ cups diced red pepper (optional)
1 T garlic
3 eggs
1 (11 oz) tomato sauce with Italian herbs
½ cup milk
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 cup dried bread crumbs
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds ground chuck
2 pounds ground pork
Saute onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil
Whisk rest of ingredients except meat and parsley (Save a little of the sauce to brush top of loaves)
Add meat, parsley, and sauteed vegetables
Mix well
Shape into two loafs, brushing tops with sauce
Bake at 350 for about an hour or until done in middle
Put your meal together and enjoy.