Tito June 1989 - March 2006
I wake up after very little sleep. It takes a couple seconds to realize that I don’t need to get out of bed and check on him. It seems he never wanted to be indoors, but I still checked on him a couple of times each night. Tito was just a dog and I tried very hard to always look at him that way, but in spite of my intentions he seemed determined to prove me wrong every day.
He was a mutt. (Malamute/Lab/?) Rescued from the pound by my friend Hank Fox all those years ago in Mammoth Lakes, California. Every day, twice a day, regardless of the weather, first with Hank, and later with me, Tito would get long runs in the High Sierra, Coconino National Forest, near Flagstaff, Arizona, and finally here in Upstate New York. He “lived” with me these last 9 years because I worked at home, but he was a shared dog for most of his life.
Some Favorites: Good Scratches and Vanilla Ice Cream
With very few exceptions, Tito was always with me, literally always. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. I could and did take him everywhere (OFF LEASH). He was welcome at the local coffee shops, the barber shop, he was the only dog allowed off leash in our local pet and feed store where he would walk down the aisles and with deliberate delicacy pick out his own treat, and he was welcome in the homes and businesses of all my friends and relatives. He had no bad habits even from a totally human perspective. He seemed to be able to charm anyone. He never ran up to or bothered people or other dogs. He was incredibly mellow, and calmly affectionate. In the 13 years I knew him I heard him bark (maybe) a dozen times, and when he did bark it meant something.
Fox Watching Last Summer
Because he liked (read demanded) being outdoors, Hank and I built him a little “room with a view” outside the back door of my house on the hill. Before the roof was on Tito realized it was for him and was immediately at home. One time when I had to leave town to visit my son in Maryland, it was decided that Tito would stay with Hank at his apartment, which was about a mile and half away. Although not immune to having the occasional “adventure” if bored, Tito was very trustworthy and after an evening walk, Hank fed him dinner outside on the porch. Checking a little later, Hank found that Tito had disappeared. Hank searched the area frantically for nearly two hours, both on foot and in his car only to finally discover Tito sleeping peacefully in his doghouse at my place. It was simply time for bed. Conversely, if Tito ever disappeared from my house at night I could always find him 45 minutes later on Hank’s porch. He just wanted to visit his “other dad.”
Semiwaterdog, He Never Got His Head Wet
When I got a new car a few years back, I didn’t want Tito, who loved to swim, getting in the car wet. In one afternoon he learned to shake well and let me towel him off before getting in. When he was dry he’d stand with his nose to the door ready to just jump in. Whenever he got back to the car wet, he’d stand away from the car or by the trunk after shaking because that’s where the towels were. I didn’t have to say anything after the first day. He was 12 when he learned this behavior. I’ve had 8 dogs in my life and I’ve loved them all dearly, but Tito was by far the easiest, most endearing creature I’ve ever had to deal with.
The last couple years he slowed down of course. I had to help him in and out of the car. But until the very last morning, he was always ready to go, even as his body began to betray him. Friday morning however, I knew the end was finally here. Three times in the past two years I thought I was losing him, but he always came back, his big high country heart refusing to quit. The past couple weeks had seen 6 visits to the vet and I knew this was different. I helped him get to his feet once, but he collapsed and couldn’t get back up. After sitting with him a while and realizing what had to happen, I called Hank. Hank in turn called another friend and the three of us were with him when the vet, Bart Forlano (I mention his name because he’s truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met) arrived. At the end Tito could hardly raise his head and he died with me cradling that beautiful face in my hands.
I have a hole in my heart and in my life. Thanks so much to the many people who have written, expressing their sympathy, especially Chris Clarke and PZ Myers who mentioned Tito on their weblogs. In a way, it was only fitting that they did, more folks locally knew Tito’s name than mine; I’m proudly known as “Grampa Tito” to my granddaughters. As I said, he was just a dog, the best one you ever even met.
March 5th, 2006 at 10:46 pm
That’s a very moving memorial. I never met Tito, but I feel like I lost a friend. I’m so sorry, Carl.
March 5th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
{{{hugs}}}
We love them so much, and they leave us so soon…..
March 5th, 2006 at 11:30 pm
When you told me Tito was gone, I cried, even though I did not know him, I know how much you can love. He was a very lucky “person” to have had you. And I am sure he knew that.
March 5th, 2006 at 11:34 pm
A beautiful tribute … Thank you for sharing Tito with us.
March 6th, 2006 at 12:30 am
He sounded like a love, I’m sorry you lost him. Best wishes.
March 6th, 2006 at 7:46 am
I’m so sorry. They are never just pets and one is never prepared for the loss. This is a beautifully written tribute. Thank you for sharing.
March 6th, 2006 at 8:19 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I read about Tito on Hank’s site. Thank you so much for sharing this memorial to a fine fellow.
March 6th, 2006 at 9:36 am
I’m watching my 9 year old lab right now preening herself on my bed.
This tribute to Tito is calling up old memories for me.I’m feeling flashes of good times and bad.
My deepest condolences for your loss.May you remember your times together with joy.
March 6th, 2006 at 1:31 pm
Convergent evolution revisited
As is appropriate for a good dog belonging to inspiring men, Tito has spurred a bit of thoughtful conversation with his passing. In response to PZ Myers' note on Carl and Hank's loss, commenter Skeptyk observes: PZ, dogs have been a wildly su…
March 6th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
A great loss to caninity
Sad news: Carl Buell and Hank Fox have lost a good friend, Tito. Dogs are easy animals to get to know, sometimes too easy. I haven’t been able to bear the thought of having a dog again since the day,…
March 6th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
He was a handsome fellow…and he sounds like a real gentleman. I’m sorry to learn of your loss, Carl, and I wish you all the best.
March 6th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Well, at the very least, now Tito can rest in peace. It is sad when loved ones leave us. My condolences.
March 6th, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I am very sorry for your loss.
March 6th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
Sorry for your loss. He is running free again.
March 6th, 2006 at 6:26 pm
I have been reading your blog since day one, and have learned a lot from you. I have also read of Tito’s problems, and how hard it has been on you.
One of the best lines I ever read was when you wrote that you did not “love him enough” yet to have him put to sleep. I thought that one of the most eloquent things I had ever read, and I understand it completely.
I am sorry it has come to an end for you and Tito. He had a good life it seems, and he had someone very special to share it with. For that he was very lucky indeed.
March 6th, 2006 at 8:50 pm
Aw, what a sweetie. It’s so hard to lose such a great companion.
Tito looks like a golden retriever/shepherd mix, maybe. Has the “mask” that my own goldens are getting. They are about 7 and 8 now. Laying at my feet at the moment, with me whenever possible. I can’t imagine how much I’ll miss them when they’re gone. I want to have an entire ranch full of them, raise goldens as service dogs and companions and give them away to those who need them.
In memory of Tito, I think that’s what I’ll name my next golden, whenever it may come into my life…
March 6th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
What a beautiful tribute. It’s so sad when the furkids have to leave us. I’m sure you know the story of the ‘Rainbow Bridge’ and I’m sure that Tito will be waiting there for you!
March 6th, 2006 at 9:30 pm
He was a beauty, and this tribute captures his spirit and your love. I’m so sorry for your loss.
March 6th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
Carl,
I’m sorry that you’ve lost your companion. It is truly incredible how the odd dog can be so much more human than animal. The common thread running through everyone of those dogs that I know/knew has been the people that are their companions. That Tito was such an exceptional character speaks volumes about you and Hank. I hope that Tito comes and visits in your dreams tonight.
Take care
March 6th, 2006 at 11:12 pm
I am glad that you could be there with Tito at the end. How comforting that must have been for him. I am so sorry for your loss and I know that the grief is crushing.
March 7th, 2006 at 12:27 am
[...] Which isn’t to say other things in my life have come to me easily. I’ve had a wonderful 21 year Marriage (our 22nd anniversary is coming up April 28th). But it certainly hasn’t always been great, and at times, it’s been very painful. At other times, it is incredibly joyful. I’ve raised two kids, certainly always a mixed experience. Even pets are sometimes sick and eventually, we do lose them, which brings us great sadness. I’ve lost my parents, several friends, and had my share of heartaches. [...]
March 7th, 2006 at 12:55 am
I’m sorry.
March 7th, 2006 at 2:30 am
Good Friends We Have, and Good Friends We’ve Lost
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we’ve lostAlong the way.In this great future, you can’t forget your past;So dry your tears, I say. - Bob MarleyIt has been a season of loss, but such is the nature of life
March 7th, 2006 at 11:52 am
I’m sorry to learn about your loss. Tito sounds like he was a wonderful friend. May you be comforted by memories of him.
March 7th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
He had nine years with a good pack mate.
March 7th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
Sounds like he was a wonderful companion. I’m so sorry he had to leave you, but he seems to have led a wonderful life for a dog. I was almost faced with the decision to put my two ferrets down yesterday, but found out they were ill from something not immediately life threatening so I am taking diligent care medicating them at this time. However, my heart was broken before we even brought them into the vet, and when I found out they would be able to live, I was euphoric. They are middle-aged as far as ferrets go. At any rate, just wanted to share that. Animals come and go in our lives, and some people dont understand getting their heart broken over and over again, but the time thats spent with them is very much worth it for both the animal and the owner, in my opinion. Best wishes,
~Stephanie
March 7th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Such a wonderful tribute for your friend. The top photo is beautiful - what a kind and gentle face. — bev
March 7th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss.
March 7th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Carl…Your tribute to Tito is wonderful. Keep that hole in your heart filling with fond memories of one of the best things that ever happened to you. As you already know I think about all of my past girls every day. now I will think of Tito. My wife always says that dogs are the best people…an understatement if ever there was one.
Steve
March 8th, 2006 at 8:55 am
Oh, man…Carl, I’m really sorry to hear about your loss. There are few things in life as good as a good dog.
March 8th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
A beautiful and loving homage… I’m so sorry for your loss.
March 8th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
My heart goes out to you. {{{ HUGS }}} My brothers and I had a dog like that when we were growing up. I miss her terribly. Your post brought back many wonderful memories of her. Thank you for sharing…. a beautiful homage.
March 9th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Tito had a great friend. I’m sorry for your loss.
March 9th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Pharyngutopia
The perfect world arrives in 300 years, apparently, as we learn in a Gernsbackian Mary-Sue. It’s entirely wrong, I’m afraid: Pharyngutopia arrived today, in a world in which Chris Clarke writes stories illustrated by Carl Buell that are all about…
March 9th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
I have followed Tito’s adventures through you and Hank. It sounds like he had a great dog life and two fine fathers.
March 9th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
words mean so very little at a time like this- I lost my best friend roughly a year ago, but in time I was able to remember the good times and I treasure each one. Thanks for sharing your beloved companion and I’m so very sorry for your loss.
March 10th, 2006 at 12:15 am
I’m sorry you’ve lost Tito, and glad you had each other for a time.
March 10th, 2006 at 2:22 am
Friday Ark #77
We’ll post links to sites that have Friday (plus or minus a few days) photos of their chosen animals (photoshops at our discretion and humans only in supporting roles). Watch the Exception category for rocks, beer, coffee cups, and….? We will add yo…
March 10th, 2006 at 6:41 am
He’s waiting for you on the other side.
March 10th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
I grew up with dogs as the family pet. My childhood dog was with me until I was 19. Losing him was one of the hardest things I endured during those first 19 years. A animal becomes more than a pet. They become your family. Strange as life is; I have turned into a cat family now. I have 5 that live with me as a part of my family. I am so sorry for your loss, as Tito sounds like a wonderful friend. Just know he lived a wonderful life and you will see him again, he will be waiting for you as a faithful friend at the Rainbow Bridge.
March 10th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
Those pooches really do work their way into our hearts. We lost our 14 year old black lab a few months ago. It’s hard and it hurts. Very sorry you lost such a grand friend. I love the photos! What a handsome fella!
March 10th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
I’m so sorry, I lost my dog Buttons a year ago and I still miss her so much and I understand what you’re going through.
March 11th, 2006 at 8:24 am
I’m so sorry. And I know the ‘hole in your heart’. They’re never ‘just a dog’, are they? As bold and comfortable as they are in their canine being, I’ve found something ineffable about every dog I’ve known. They are without exception a paradigm for living in the moment. As puppies they personify sheer joy; when mature the ‘wolf in the fur’ emerges with all of the pack loyalty, sense of rank and love of the wild that species enjoys. We, I believe, are larger dogs to them and once trusted they love us perfectly. I have my 12 y.o. Beauregard, a miniture schnauzer with the heart of a Dane. When I think of him leaving, an iron gate clangs down in my heart cutting the thought off in mid-formation. While he’s with me, he’s the ‘eternal canine’ and I am homo sapien, nothing more, nor less. When he leaves, I will welcome another of his race into my home. I will not live without a dog. Perhaps you’re like me?
If we dream, there is a canine paradise where Tito romps with the other dogs you’ve loved, and waits for your return.
March 11th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your four legged friend. Those of us with dogs we cherish can certainly sympathize with your current feelings. You were lucky to have such a good dog and he was lucky to have such a good friend as you.
March 12th, 2006 at 12:29 am
I lost my dog of 12 years last summer. I had to bottle feed him when I first got him because I had to take him before he was weened or the owner would have put him to sleep with the rest of his litter mates. It’s taking all I have not to cry while I am writting this when I read about your dog and how well behaved he was. This is how Lil Bear was also. He never hurt any one or dog in his entire life. He went with me everywhere, even to work for almost twen years. We lived on the Roaring Fork River in Western Colorado. We climbed three fourteeners together and went on innumerable adventures in the Rocky Mountain High Country together. He had been always free to go where he wanted but he would never leave my side if he could help it. In fact it became somewhat of a joke when people would ask me if he ever ran away I’d tell them that he wouldn’t let me. As fortune would have it I went back to school and eventually went to Colorado State University. It was hard for him when we moved down to the city. He never could figure out how to hold his bowel movements long enough for us to get to a place wher he could go. There were houses everywhere. He didn’t understand that he couldn’t just go wheerever there was grass. He would end up losing it in the street which was humiliating to him. I tried to take him hiking with me but my schedual was such and the hills were quite a drive away that we didn;\’t go very much. At the same time he was getting older and slowing down. H was having trouble with his hips and one time when we were hiking he hurt himself badly and barely was able to make it back to the car. He was never the same from then on. I ended up moving several times and he had to get used to each new place but through it all he never lost his good temper and gentle demenor. I had always let him stay in the house with me before but when I had to be in school for long periods of time I had to leave him alone in whatever yard we had . He started to bark all the time when I was gone and this caused some friction with my neighbors. He was a short haired dog and could not take the cold much but I did have a dogloo for him to stay in. When we moved to the most recent place he was getting very bad. He wouldn’t get up unless he had to go outside. He had started losing control of his bowels and has to go in the house a few times. He was very sad because of all this. I knew that this was not fair to him but I did not have the resources to take care of him the way he should have been. I knew that I would have to have him put to sleep soon but I couldn’t bring myself to do it yet. One day early fall or late summer I can’t remeber which, he got out of our yard when I was at school and got picked up by the dog pound. I went to get him out but they wanted $100 to get him out and I didn’t have the money. They also find homes for dogs. I didn’t have much hope that they would be able to find him a home because he was so far gone he could barely walk and in pain. So I left him there with the option to call back to find out what had happened to him. I have to say that was one of the hardest calls that I have ever made in my life. I didin’t want to find out but I figured I owed it to him to do so. They told me that he had been put to sleep because of medical problems not behavioral ones. I’ve only had a couple of dogs in my life and I haven’t been a very good owner in the past. This one was to make up for those. I poured love on him like warm honey 24/7 and I am glad for it. the only problem is trhat in the process I came to close and Ilost a piece of myself when he went. I now live alone and the hell of it is I don’t even have a picture of him as my computer crashed with all that stuff soon after he died. For thase twelve years it was just me and him and no one else will ever know the bond we had. Until I wrote this post I had not been able to process what he ment to me because of school and trying to survive in this ownership society of ours. Thank you for your story, it has brought back some of my fondest memories of my freind and companion. Little Bear.
March 12th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
I don’t know what to say. What a great dog.
March 12th, 2006 at 5:47 pm
I literally have tears on my cheeks, writing this. There is nothing as wonderful as a good dog - and nothing as sad as saying goodbye to one. Your eulogy for Tito is beautifully written (as always), and I know that you will find a way to get along without him. Though the Tito-shaped hole will always be in your soul, perhaps you will eventually be brave enough to share your life with another K9 spirit eventually. It took me a while, but I did get another poodle after the loss of my 16-year-old. Funny thing, when ever I think of dear little Geno (or even dream of him), he’s always whole, not half blind and deaf, and limping. I think that’s how he’d want to be remembered.
You’re in my thoughts tonight…
March 12th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
Gentle journey, Tito.
March 13th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
I’m just over here from the Koufax. When I saw your picture of Tito at the top of the page, it was a bit of a shock; he was the spitting image of my old dog, Sisu (except for the ears, which I saw in photos further down). Sisu was the best, sweetest, most intelligent and most laid-back dog I have ever dealt with in my life, and I loved him more than any other dog I have ever owned. Loved and respected, both. And although he died about 11 years ago now, I still miss him. My husband and I have a wonderful portrait of him that my father shot, but I feel the lack of him every time I see that portrait.
So I know a little about how you feel. And you have my sympathy. My thoughts are with you.
I hope you can take some comfort from the fact that Tito quite obviously had a rich, full, loved life with you.
March 13th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
Just came back to internet today … BIG hugs!!!
March 14th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Tito must have been a real pleasure to know. Last month, we lost our eighteen year old Taffy. She had four great months here in Mexico. Our Canadian neighbors lost their sixteen year old up in Edmonton, Alberta,
a week ago. I’ll bet those three amigos are running across the heavens together.
March 16th, 2006 at 9:55 pm
Your tribute Grampa Tito is beautiful! I was blessed to have known Tito and his two dad’s. I regret not having know him in his more youthful days, but am grateful to him for the new friends he has given me. Tito you will live on in our relationships.
March 21st, 2006 at 4:17 pm
My deep condolences on your loss of a real true friend and companion.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute.
March 23rd, 2006 at 1:39 am
What a wonderful tribute to Tito! I have lost several pets in the past, and I can empathize. I loved reading your descriptions of special times with a great pal.
March 25th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
What a fine tribute to your beautiful friend for all those years. I truly sympathize. I lost my sweet Bonnie (http://altese.com/bonnie) two and a half years ago. I miss her every day. We are fortunate that we can publish our thoughts and share our sadness–and the joy we had–with others via the web.
March 30th, 2006 at 6:34 am
What a god among dogs. How lucky you were to have such a gem in your life for so long.
All you have to do is mention my mom’s irish setter’s name and she gets weepy. And he died 25 years ago. Dogs do that don’t they. They make the best of buddies and never really leave you. Sigh.
March 30th, 2006 at 8:14 am
i also have a Tito of my own who we rescued from a family who still lives nearby. they were abusing him and only our maillady knows and has kept our secret for 5 1/2 years. he is such a treasure and so innocent. your story brought me to tears because i cant imagine not having him around nor can i remember a time when he wasnt here. they deserve a good life and you certainly gave him that, you both were lucky to have known each other.
March 31st, 2006 at 9:32 pm
Sheila just gave me the bad news. He will be greatly missed by all! You and Tito were a lot alike, no matter how bad things got you never ‘barked’, just took it in stride and looked for a brighter day. You made a touching memorial and it brings tears to our eyes. The photographs were amazing and will be a lasting memory for all that knew him. I feel proud to have had the honor to meet both of you and he will always be remembered! Feel free to call anytime…
April 2nd, 2006 at 1:25 am
What a noble dog, and what a good life he had with you. May your grief be eased by all of the good memories you have.
April 18th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
I just finished reading the tribute and wiping the tears from eyes. (I wish I had not read this at work.) I have had the great pleasure of being Tito’s neighbor for approximately year in Flagstaff, AZ. Those are great memories for my husband Anthony and I. Truly, Tito was one of a kind! My dog, Yukon, was a pup at the time and he looked up to Tito as “God”. I wish Yukon had absorbed more of his calmness and good manners. Take care “Uncles” Carl and Hank, we are always thinking of you.
April 29th, 2006 at 1:31 am
Just stumbled onto your site after googling…malamute lab. I am happy I found it as it reminds me of my old dog…Tok who was also a malamute/lab cross.
What a dog! Much like your dog Tito. ..Tok was gentle…smart and loving. He went through the same type of experiences as he aged to the point that I eventually had to make the decision to let him go. The call to the Vet was the most painful one I’ve ever made. He came out to the place and Tok died in my arms while I cried like a baby. My best friend was gone but no longer in pain. It hurt like hell and still does years later. He was one of a kind and the very best dog I’ve ever shared my life with. I was very lucky to have had him in my life.
Though I love the two dogs now with me…Tok was and always will be special. If Tok is not waiting in heaven…I want to go to the place where he is waiting. I miss my friend.
My heartfelt sympathies to you over your loss of Tito. Remember the good times…
April 29th, 2006 at 5:12 am
I think is important to tell everybody that a malamute is not an ordinary dog. Like I read in Kornrad Lorenz book “King Solomon ring’s”, the malamutes descending from woolfs, this gave to this animals a diferent way that other races dont have. Loyals, great friends, truly one of the family.
I have a Husky, and is very old (12), all the time I see him walking down the stair I think about the day he left us. I understand you, very well and i’m sorry.
Regards from spain, and thanks for share your feeling about a very good friend, our dogs.
PD:Sorry for my english, is worst than my feelings…
May 1st, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Snakes, Universes, and the Rest
The Loom gathered a bit of dust over the past couple weeks as I grappled with another round of deadlines for work that actually pays the mortgage. Life should now get relaxed enough for more blogging, I hope–starting this evening….
May 1st, 2006 at 7:29 pm
I found myself tearing up.
I have two Saint Bernards, and I can completely relate to the off-leash behavior, the mellowness, the deep and inordinate affection these dogs have of mine.
I like to think that I can just keep getting more of them, so that I won’t be completely devastated by the loss of a “one and only” best friend. I like to think it, and I hope it’s true. Best regards.
May 8th, 2006 at 12:58 pm
I’m so very sorry. I just lost my sweet dog after 13 wonderful years, and you’re right, it is a hole in the heart.
May 8th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
I found your website through the Yahoo Drawn Group. I stumbled in today and read every word you wrote in your post about Tito.
I’ve tried so hard to pretend they are not human. But they wrap themselves around and through our hearts so firmly, fiercely even, and we can never easily let them go. The process is the same as losing any loved one.
Peace.
May 25th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Time to get up off the matt, Carl. It’s been almost 3 monts since Tito passed. Life goes on, and you need to too.
Maybe I’m selfish, but damnit I want more art. You aren’t dead. But the days slip away, and every day you don’t draw is a day less we have of you. It’s pointless to waste that.
I’m sad for you in the loss of Tito. But I’m even sadder for the loss of you and your art. Get back to posting, darnit.
Anyway, sorry to be a jerk. But someone has to. We miss you.
May 31st, 2006 at 10:56 am
Yeah, I agree with Bruce. Without this site I would never have learned about the wonderful Wacom tablet. The world needs someone to demonstrate how the thing should be used at its best.
June 1st, 2006 at 3:53 pm
He’s a great looking dog.
People look at my wife and me a bit strangely when we tell them we’re taking our three pets (cats, in our case) with us when we relocate to the U.K. They’re family. We don’t have a choice. You can replace a car or apartment, but animal companion you’ve grown together with - irreplaceable.
June 11th, 2006 at 6:21 pm
Our condolences. We’re preparing to move from Northern California to Little Elm, Texas. Our two small dogs will be flying *first class* with us. There’s no denying it: they ARE family.
We share George’s sorrow for Tito. We also encourage you, George, to take heart in the fact that you made his life more joyous with your companionship and care.
And as one artist to another, honour his memory with your art!
All our very best!
Leland R. Erickson & Family
Metal Express
http://www.metal-express.net
June 23rd, 2006 at 8:18 am
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog. There are no just a dogs in our lives, they are our friends and special companions. I came here by way of Ontario Wanderer. You have a really nice blog.
June 25th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
Sorry about your dog.
June 28th, 2006 at 11:34 am
Such a beautiful tribute. We miss you.
June 29th, 2006 at 6:15 am
Coming back, from time to time … hoping that you also might have found your way back to this wonderful blog …
Greetings
July 8th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Well, EVERYONE always thinks that their own dog is the BEST DOG IN THE WORLD.
In your case, you may very well be right!
You have my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy!
August 25th, 2006 at 8:11 pm
I miss your posts already. I hope you return to blogging.
August 30th, 2006 at 10:57 pm
Please come back! I just found you.
September 4th, 2006 at 10:50 am
Hey Carl,
I’m so sorry to read this, I looked forward to seeing you and Tito at Bill’s place - I didn’t know until today, when I checked up on your blog…. so sorry you lost your friend.
In dog heaven there’s no hip displaysia, only rabbits to chase and vanilla ice cream anytime.
Hope to see you soon -
Tim
410-960-6507
September 8th, 2006 at 11:20 am
I had to take my beloved JACK in and it was one of the hardest things that I have ever experienced in my entire life.
He was a great dog. Supposedly a cross between a Keshond and a Lab he was an aberant exception to the laws of probability and he grew to be a gentle giant at 130 lbs.
His hindquarters disintegrated and I carried him outside for the last couple months of his life because he had such trouble going down the steps.
We desperately wanted him around to witness (ond give the OK) the arrival of our newborn Son and for a few months he doted and lavished affection on our other baby.
Finally we knew that it was time and on that fateful evening I had to muster the courage to bring him in. The staff were incredibly sensitive and left me there to weap uncrontrollably for atleast 20 minutes as I leaned over the table, held on to my old friend, and said my last ‘good boy’.
I still miss him.
It has been almost 5 years and we still cannot bring ourselves to bring home a puppy and start over.
Maybe next spring.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:56 am
Hi,saw a message over on rigorvitae that I think came from you, hope to see you back on here very soon. Miss your blogging!
September 24th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
Reminds me of my Sadie–another spectacular mutt who died seven years ago at 15.
October 4th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
I stumbled with your blog page and was attracted to the fact you deal with the illustration of ancient vertebrates. I am a paleobiologist and do museum work too. I have some web photo albums that I could share. I was very sorry to learn about the passing of your beloved dog, I´ve shared my life with an amount of pets and dogs have been specially close, been there. Slaudos. Luis H.
October 8th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
I came across your blog a few months ago - and have been waiting for you to return. Your post about the death of your dog was simply heartbreaking, and as someone who has experienced that, it brought tears to my eyes - I found it such an wonderful tribute to your relationship with your dog companion. I have a dog now that is two days shy of turning 17, and know that I will need to face this again. I hope that you are doing well out there, and that you return to post again some day.
October 13th, 2006 at 6:25 pm
I know you’re getting ready to arrive back on the blogging scene sometime in the next day or so. Let this be the last visitor comment before you make that dramatic splash! I know we’re ALL looking forward to it.
October 28th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
A logo for the godless: an impossible assignment?…
Norwegianity has put out a request to design an appropriate logo for all of us godless heathen bloggers. There’s a certain religious deathcult that uses an instrument of torture as its immediately recognizable logo—it’s very simple, clean, easy…
November 19th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
this is a fine way to get to know another person. your tribute is wonderful, as i am sure you are, and pup was. i’m glad you were able to share so much–and still do!
March 3rd, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Today, March 3, 2007, is one year since Tito died.
Man, I miss the beloved old beast.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I have a malamute lab mix named Denali that is the spitting image of Tito. My big dog is 12 and I hope he live as long as your dog. I couldn’t believe the similarities in looks and from the sounds of it personality. My beloved friend has been with me since he was 5 weeks old and with the exception of four vacations he has not left my side. I have a pictue of him on my website in the one of the catagories of us in Tahoe which is were he was born. I hope you found or are looking fro another perfect dog. Your pictures made me smile
June 15th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
P..s my website is http://www.elevatedfitness.com
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I’m italian, living in Venice.
It’s sound very strange, but my nine years old dog name is the same: Tito!
Sad for your loss…
bye american Tito, buon viaggio… you’ll see him again.
April 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I loved this story of your wonderful dog! I came across this while looking for Bart Forlano’s number. I work with a Siberian Husky Rescue, and it is Dr. Forlano who is our vet. I was wondering if I could link to your story of Tito. Please look at my family website to see if it is something you would consider. http://www.melwnstudi.com . I have a lot of pictures of people’s dogs, the Tundra Spirits links, Other rescue links, a Dog Resource page I am working on, my family and my dogs, both who are seniors, and I would love to add this story of such a great dog. So many people visit my site, and I know they would enjoy this. Wendy Howard