BUD
  by Maggie & Alan
  Bud's new Mum and Dad

Sadly Bud went to the Rainbow Bridge on 28 December 2005 aged 12½ years

An inveterate mischief-maker, a shameless and lightning-fast food-stealer, a loyal and
loving companion and an all-round good time boy, Bud lived his last few days with all the
fullness his failing body would permit.

Gone from our lives but never from our hearts.

Bud (centre) with his new siblings Cotter (L) and Cami (R)

We never really planned to add a third beagle to our family. In fact I was adamant that two dogs were the perfect number for us. Then we read Gwenda's email about the ten year old whose family could no longer keep him. We talked about what it must be like for this poor old boy to lose his family. We said we would see if he would fit in with us.

We had many concerns: would he get along with Cami & Cotter, brother and sister, who have rarely been separated in the eight and a half years since birth? Would he pine for his old home? What if there were problems of aggression or worse still, inconsolable grieving for what he had lost? There was only one way to find out if he was meant to be ours. Cami & Cotter came along the day we went to pick him. We took all three dogs for a walk and then lifted Bud into the boot of the station wagon with his new siblings.

When we brought him home, he was giddy with excitement at the new smells, the other dogs and a house with stairs. He settled in quickly. He has only growled once when Cotter pushed his feet into him when they were sleeping together. On the other hand, Cotter and Cami are gentle tempered dogs and have never complained about his being here. They know there is lots of love to go around.

I think that Bud's canine telepathy had been telling him for some time that he was on his way out at his old home. I think that he was worried. We have tried to show him that he is loved and that he belongs here. Slowly he has started to accept his place. He seems younger now than when we brought him home. He plays with his pile of toys like a puppy. He retrieves balls and throws his tug toy around with complete joy. At first he would barely look at them.

Young dogs, like young children, instinctively learn to trade on their gift of nature - their good looks and cuteness. Older dogs are not always so obviously winsome. But once their sixth sense tells them that their home and happiness is in jeopardy, they are loyal to whoever shows them kindness and gives them a second chance. They intuitively know that they have found a human who values character as much as good looks.

We could not imagine life without Bud now. He is a loyal companion, rarely letting us out of his sight if we are at home. He staunchly defends the yard, announcing every visitor who steps on our block. His comic acts and fierce devotion show us that it's true: sometimes we don't just get older, we do get better. Adopt an older dog. They'll know you could have gone for young and cute and they'll love you even more.

[Left] Bud with his new Dad, Alan