April 19, 2010
Hugo
A passing today…
Hugo is my friend’s dog, an Otter Hound, whom I came to know shortly after coming to work for “the greensman” five years ago. We were in the early days of the new greensman. Hugo came to the office with Kristopher. He was a Big Boy, his head above my waist as he stood on all fours. We “made friends” right away. (I rubbed his ears and whispered sweet nothings in them. I calmed him when Kristopher flew out the door, often a little late for a client meeting, when Hugo would whimper after him, standing at the door.) Hugo, would accept my call and come sit by me, often leaning into my leg, then lie down on the floor beside me to wait for Kristopher’s return.
I saw him immediately as an old soul. He was the oldest, grandest Knight in the roundtable of pups, Kristopher saved from certain destruction. Hugo spent fifteen years with Kristopher. I was fortunate to spend a few months with him at my side. In these years after, whenever we, Danny and I, would visit Kristopher wherever Kristopher lived, for cocktail parties and such, Hugo would sidle up to me, lean into my leg, I’d rub his ears, whisper sweet nothings. He would just hang with me for a while. Honestly, the biggest expression of unconditional love I’ve ever experienced. I can hardly speak another word. In his passing, oh, I started to say a light has gone out, but his light will still beam in my memory.
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I’m afraid of big dogs. I was bitten by a Great Dane when I was 8, and my fear has really not abated in spite of my increase in height and age (and girth).
I really loved Hugo. Hugo was a big dog. I was never afraid of Hugo. I met him while helping Kristopher to move from one place to another. He had just had a minor surgery (Hugo, not Kristopher), so he was be-bandaged. Didn’t matter to me. He plopped his head in my lap and I fell in love. Sweet, sweet boy.
(sigh)
The loss of animal-friends can hit hard. This guy was clearly a dear friend. I’m sorry he’s gone, Ricky Cameron.
I’m so sorry, Rick. he looks like someone I would immediately love.
I’ve got a song/video for y’all, Rick, Danny. It’s not some icky rainbow bridge pet-passing thing. I’ll send a link to y’all tonight.
Rick, Danny–I’m so sorry. Hugo looks like the very best of dogs. That face!
Such a sweet face, and such soulful eyes. I just knew I’d be crying by the end of the second paragraph. Sorry to hear about the loss.
What an expressive face. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick, Danny – That is sad. I always find the death of animals very painful. Like you said, that unconditional love they give us seems to make it more special.
All they ever want is a rub behind the ear and food of course. Edible or inedible.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Just looking at this pup makes me wish I knew and loved him as you do.
There is a light that never goes out.