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Daisy

Daisy came into our family a little more than 10 years ago while living in Roscoe, New York. She was born undersized and with a crippled front leg, but we wanted her very much. Before she was 8 weeks old she had grown to normal size for a purebred female Boxer and her leg had straightened perfectly. She never showed any sign of deformity for as long as she lived.

Daisy became as good a friend as anyone could have. She was by my side no matter what the circumstances were and was always a positive influence on me. We were going through some tough times back in the late 80's when we got Daisy. It's an understatement to say she was a big help, but she was that and much more.

Daisy had the best disposition of any pet I'd ever had, and certainly better than any human. She was show quality, although she only entered a couple of local shows (which she won). Her "folks" were international show winners and on tour when we got Daisy, the sire in Japan and the dam in Canada. Daisy was a beautiful Boxer and a joy to have in the house.

She set the tone for the day by giving me a few laps on the cheek when I got up. She would let me sleep, but when woke, I got cleaned first! Next, was her turn. She positioned her belly over my outstretched hand so I could rub it. We called that daily ritual "belly up". When I got out of the car she was usually on the front porch waiting for me. She would perk up when she saw the car pull up. I usually back in and starting into reverse was her cue that it was me and off she went to meet me with a wonderful greeting. Soon I would change to "home clothes". When I would go into the bedroom to change, Daisy had another routine. She would come into the bedroom and brush her body along both sides of the bed. Next, she'd roll her head from side to side like a horse sometimes does rubbing her face on the edge of the bed. Finally she would rub her head on the floor and before long would be on her back snorting at me and tempting me to "box" with her. We both looked forward to this daily.

This is Daisy's last picture. It was taken in my office about four hours before she passed on
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Daisy was aging and was lame from an accident she had involving a logging truck when she was young. Christmas Eve 1999, she was not feeling well when we got home and was cold to touch. She was unusually quiet and let us cover her with blankets while we opened our gifts. She seemed to be better the next few days until December 29, when she became very sick. She went out around 9:00 PM and would not come in. She always responded when I called her, but not this time. After scouring the yard for 10 to 15 minutes I found her sitting in the midst of some large Azalea bushes. She followed me into the house. I noticed she was very cold and the hair on her back was standing on end. Later, she came upstairs to the den and lay down, again very quiet and unresponsive. She was afraid to go down the stairs when it was time to go to bed, so I carried her down. She lay on her bed breathing heavily for some time, then lay down next to me on the floor. I stroked her neck for 5 to 10 minutes then fell asleep. She seemed to be falling off to sleep as well. When I woke at 2:15 AM she was gone.

Daisy's Nicknames

Some Things Daisy used to do that I will always remember

Daisy Doodle
Daisy Dingle
WiggleButt
Puppiest Girl
Best Girl
Beautius Boxerus
Crazy Daisy
Daisy Doo
Lazy Daisy
Best Puppy (She was ALWAYS a puppy to me . . . and she always will be)

Run around the house at top speed 3 or so times for no good reason her chest 2 or 3 inches above the ground with her legs fully stretched (just showing off)
Catch birds in flight: She would stand on a berm behind our house about 7 feet above the lower part of the yard and leap when I bord when by catching one in her mouth. (I saw her do this twice)
Kill snakes: When living in the Catskill Mountains she would sometimes find a snake, grab it between her jaws and shake her head 3 or 4 times. The snake fell limp.
She learned to look out a window on the right side of the house when I spelled out "D-E-E-R" and out of a window on the left upon hearing "T-U-R-K-E-Y"
Jump out of her kennel clearing an 8 foot chain link fence without a running start and, seemingly, no effort.
Funniest of all was Daisy when she smelled liquor. I would wet the tip of my finger with something strong, like bourbon, then hold it out toward her. She, being smarter than me, would growl at it, literally sneer at it, then bark. And could that dog bark! A large chestful of air being expelled at great speed and force was a sound to take seriously. She would sometimes take a quick lick at it, but would immediately return to her aggressive posture toward it. It was hilarious. I swear she must have some "Churchill" in her blood.
When we would walk in the neighborhood or at the beach, she would hold her end of the leash in her mouth no matter how long we walked or what came into her path.
She would position herself under our glass topped dining room table near me waiting for the inevitable. She knew the odds were with me and not Pat for a "gift" from above.
When Teddy, our miniature poodle, was alive, Daisy and Teddy could croon with the best of them. Teddy was tenor and Daisy was baritone. It brought tears to our eyes on many occasions.
We played "footsie" a lot when she was well. To play "footsie" I had to get on my hands and knees and try to grab her front feet which she would move with great speed and precision. I lost a lot.
If I went outside, she went outside. If I came in, so did she.
She could clear a flight of stairs in 1.5 seconds upon hearing the word "Snackeroo" regardless of the volume.
She loved to play tug-of-war with me and anything in range would meet the need.

My sister, Lori, sent me this poetic story as soon as she heard of our loss. Lori is a dog lover as well. She has five (5!) Sharpei's and is a great Mom to them all.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

When a beloved pet dies who has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

It is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. There is always plenty of food and water and sunshine; our friends are warm and comfortable. Those old and frail animals are young again, restored to health and vigor. Those who have been hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again. The animals play all day; they are happy and content with each other.

But, there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth; Then the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he breaks away from the group, flying over the green grass; his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been seen.

And when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and embrace. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress the beloved head. You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, and then together you cross the Rainbow Bridge, never to be separated again.

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