SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Those of you who've read my posts over the years know this guy as Ted, but for our first eight years together he was Teddy, the name given to him by neighbor kids that was so fitting I never thought to change it. When we lost his big sister Adrienne (see my last post in this section, "My girl Adrienne") Teddy was utterly adrift for a while, and he became more serious. As if by secret agreement, everyone started calling him Ted.

When I found the little wad of hideousness, as Adrienne surely considered him, as a tiny puppy next to a fast highway, I was determined to find him a good home. He was equally determined that I was that good home, and he got his way. Without trying to explain Teddy--I am just now gaining the distance offered by the passage of time--I will simply say that he was the strangest dog ever invented, a complicated tangle of exuberance, worry, bluster, and cranky neuroticism. He was my guardian on hikes and he wouldn't relax until he got me home safely, which sounds comforting but could be annoying when he'd randomly decide it was time to head back, usually about thirty minutes out. Our journey together was epic, and I miss him like crazy.

These photos are in no particular order, just grabbed from the album on my phone dedicated to him, but most are from his earlier years. A few may be familiar but I've tried to include fresh ones. Some are iconic and bear seeing again. The first and eighth photos are in frames on my bedroom wall.

Please enjoy this nostalgic tour and enjoy every minute you have with your own dogs.

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

We all know that the day of the rainbow bridge will come but why so soon? My condolences for your loss. It looks like you had a great time while it lasted.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

We had many great times but also some very difficult times. That's what happens when a dog takes over your entire heart, and if Ted was the last dog I'll ever had, he was a grand finale to a remarkable series.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Feral, a moving tribute to your most loyal friend and companion. Sorry, now my eyes are leaking because I am thinking of Kilo and Shasta and Sam and Bambi and, and, and. Sometimes, I wish I could tell Death to take a hike and get lost.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Ted would make sure it didn't get lost! I'm not trying to make people sad but of course that's inevitable when you talk about losing animal friends. Shep won't want you to cry. And Ted wasn't always loyal--he would have thrown me over for a crew of men in a truck any day.

Linda2 Loc: Yakima Wa.

What a great looking boy! We are on dog numbers 8 & 9 now. They are 12 and 15, a record. Never easy having to say goodbye but it sure will be a fun reunion someday. When I was probably about 12 I told Mom “if there are no dogs in heaven then I’m not going!” Sincere condolences to you. I understand.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

It is so good to see Ted again! This set with him at various ages and stages is wonderful!

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I'm okay, and this isn't a bid for sympathy so much as a way to plump up the Pampered Pets section because it looks so woebegone. I'd love to see your dogs if you have photos. I like your reunion idea. I imagine Ted taking me by the sleeve or pantleg as he always did and leading me into his realm. 12 and 15 are ripe old ages. Ted needed to go when he was 13 1/2, and he left no doubt in my mind that his time was up. Still...it's been almost four years

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thanks--I know you liked him. I keep finding more and more photos of him as I try to organize my life (which don't bother, by the way; it doesn't work). It's nice to be able to share him with my friends on UHH.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Such a handsome boy!!! Those 1-up, 1-down ears are what really caught my attention and hooked me to viewing your posts. I always wanted to see where Ted had been and what he had seen. When you posted his passing I was heartbroken.

There are some pets that are just extra special and Ted definitely was in that category.

Thanks for sharing the photos of The Wonderful Ted!!

Dodie

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I used Ted to hook people in; otherwise nobody would have looked at my posts.

Yeah the ear thing was his trademark look, and it kept him from seeming TOO serious, which I believe gave him a complex. He might have had two floppy ears but he had some serious road rash when I found him, and the right ear had scar tissue which stiffened it. You can see it in the second photo.

Thanks for your sweet comments. It was hard to tell everyone that he was gone--by that time I had been sharing stories about him on UHH for eight years. I have been heartbroken too when people on this forum let the rest of us know they've lost a pet, including you. It just hurts all round

JustJill Loc: Iowa

What a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing your memories. Teddy is wagging his tail in approval.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I hope so! He didn't approve of much I did. Thank you for looking.

catgirl Loc: las vegas

So very sorry for your loss he was so lucky you found each other, I just love his one eye look from under the blanket

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

He was a good guy, weirdness aside. In that photo he was trying to deal, not very successfully, with thunder. Thanks for your comments.