because we brought him home on the 4th of July. But we always called him Indi. I started out spelling his nickname Indy, while his “dad” started out spelling it Indi. But it always sounded the same to him.
We never called him Independence, and come to think of it he wasn’t independent. He made friends everywhere he went, and in his first obedience class he was voted No. 1 Puppy. He never chewed up anything he wasn’t supposed to, but he knew what to do with a rawhide bone, and in his prime he could demolish a large one in short order. As a puppy he surgically removed squeakers from toys, and wore out several plastic balls until they no longer squeaked.
Green was his favorite color. I know dogs are supposed to be color blind, but Indi always preferred the green balls to the blue ones or red ones. We tested this, several times.
He liked to be wherever we were, and most recently he was my gardening buddy. He wanted to follow me outside whenever I worked in the back yard, even when he was too old and sick for it to be much fun for him.
Indi died last night, after 10 years of faithful, loving companionship. He was the best dog we’ve ever known, and we feel honored to have had the chance to live with him.
We miss you, dear friend, and we won’t be at all surprised if you’re voted Number 1 Puppy in Heaven.
1.
This was such a beautiful tribute. The photos are splendid - the last especially landed in my heart with such tenderness. I am sorry for your loss, happy for your memories. xoxo
Comment by Reenie — July 29, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
2.
Sorry to hear about Indi but what a fine tribute. Pets always leave much too soon but it sounds like he had a happy life.
Comment by Eric Mayer — July 29, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
3.
Oh how I feel your pain-and the love you had for this friend. What a sweet face! Thank you for sharing this special part of your lives.
Comment by susan — July 30, 2008 @ 2:12 am
4.
Oh, my dear, you’ve lost a member of the family and my heart goes out to you. The house seems to be so empty and quiet without your best friend. If you don’t mind, I’ll light a candle for him on Sunday, a symbolic tribute, to honor the light and joy he brought into your life.
Comment by Sarah — July 30, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
5.
He surely was a special boy! And a polite house guest. It was an honor to have him here with you when you evacuated for the fires. His spirit was so friendly and good natured! One of those beautiful canines that just makes one smile! He is smiling down on the both of you Barbara and his spirit will never leave your side. You will feel him following you around still when you garden. Hugs and healing thoughts to your household from ours!
Comment by Helen — July 31, 2008 @ 5:48 am
6.
Thank you, all of you, for your kind thoughts.
Love,
Barbara
Comment by Barbara — July 31, 2008 @ 10:59 am
7.
My My, it is so disheartening. Dogs are best friends, and they will remain to be. Cheers to his companionship and faith extended !
Comment by A.S.Pardesi — August 1, 2008 @ 12:37 am
8.
I love dogs. Thanks for doing what you can do.
Comment by Creechman — August 1, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
9.
So sorry to hear that Indi has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. That’s the hardest thing about life with dogs; their lives are shorter than ours, and goodbyes are inevitable. No matter how many times you go through losing them, you never get used to it. It’s true of all of our animals (except maybe the turtles and parrots who will probably outlive us), but I’m a dog person. I’ve said more goodbyes to dogs than any other pets.
Indi will be in good company where he went. I can think of five Bearded Collies (Merlin, Duncan, Cadence, Doogie, and Briscoe) who will be there to greet him. Cadence made it his job in life to greet everyone at the door and offer hospitality in exchange for a few ear-rubs. If there are pearly gates where our dogs go, there will also be a debonair, black-and-white old Beardie ready to escort Indi through and make sure he feels at home.
Charlie, Seamus, Dinah, and I will keep you all in our thoughts.
Comment by blogdog — August 3, 2008 @ 9:57 am
10.
How lovely. I always remember how hard it was to lose our Barley, and how kind you were at the time. Thanks for that. Your dog was lucky to have you and vice versa.
Comment by violetismycolor — August 3, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
11.
He’s a special boy isn’t he? I used to have quite a few dogs when I was a kid..sharing bonds and moments with them it’s so special to get to know them - RichStudent
Comment by RichStudent — August 3, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
12.
My sincere condolences. Losing a pet is so difficult.
Cas
Indi is one of my favorite breeds. They are so devoted.
Comment by cassie-b — August 5, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
13.
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words, and I apologize for neglecting your blogs and mine recently. — Barbara
Comment by Barbara — August 15, 2008 @ 4:46 am
14.
Saturday (Sunday) Links of the Week — August 16 (17), 2008
Trackback by How to Save the World — August 17, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
15.
I’m sory to hear that… I now how hard is to loose a pet (I’ve lost quite a few of them) but maybe that’s the best for him, he was quite old.
Comment by Boštjan — September 4, 2008 @ 6:42 am
16.
I’m so sorry, Barbara. He looks like he was a grand dog. And I’ll bet he was voted No. 1 in Puppy Heaven…his gentle appearance suggests he was definitely in the running!
Comment by Marion — September 5, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
17.
Aww Sorry to hear… such a beautiful dog
reminds me of my previous dog Lucy (Lou), wearing out the balls. Here aim was to pop any ball and then chew it, even though it was 5 times bigger than her head! 
Comment by Flash Game Dude — October 3, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
18.
That’s really sad. Just be thankful for the good memories. He really was a bright dog. No.1 on obedience.
-M from Mexico
Comment by Cuautla Morelos — October 10, 2008 @ 1:38 am