Buster is at the "Rainbow Bridge".

We--Bruce, Ginger & I-- were all saddened by his quick deterioration from
(Vet's guess "Stomach or Liver") cancer. He went from 92-to-68 lbs. in
the last 6 weeks, and he was sustained that long on forkfuls of an array
of steak, chicken, baby food, cheese, and canned dog food. He ultimately
stopped eating and we had the Vet put him down -- before he lost his
dignity. In the end, Buster was happy, still woofing--and although he was
so thin his shoulders, ribs, hips and cox ix protruded--he still had
enough energy to go "on guard" and to "have his way" with our neighbors
female Labrador last weekend!

I thought I'd share some fond memories of Buster with you all:

Buster was nicknamed Houdini. He escaped from an array of crates and was
only contained by carabiner locks. He also was able to open latched doors
and was frequently found sitting in our apt. hallway.

Buster was not a working guard dog. Although he'd announce the arrival of
a visitor or a package, Buster would quickly retreat into a remote corner
as people approached our home.

Buster was an excellent retriever and hunter of inanimate objects. He
loved to play fetch, but was most proud of his hunt-and-find prized balls
and other dog and child toys. We never received dog or road kill presents
from Buster. We do have over a half dozen spare soccer balls and
basketballs that Buster lifted from other peoples yards...

Buster was patient and helpful in training his "sister" Ginger. Most
recently, Buster taught Ginger to a) sit in the elevator, b) come home
from a country expedition when called, c) go in her crate from cookies
when called, and d) stop chasing the kitties and get back into the car
after we drop our garbage at the Alford, MA dump.

Buster was a great Boxer dog and we will miss him.

I have attached the story of the "Rainbow Bridge" for those of you who do
not know of the place. Bruce had a "conversation" with Buster a few weeks
ago and asked that Buster protect Bruce from Eastman (a dog named for a
doggy stock) and Max--the two dogs Bruce euthanized 'cause they bit
people.

I have also attached a picture of Buster--so you can remember what a
great looking dog he was!

Sincerely,

Ronney, Bruce & Ginger

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven there is a place called The Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that
pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of
our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of
food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The
animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body
quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The
happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved
head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your friend, so
long gone from you life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...