Trooper

Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades...
     and Trooper was my best friend for nearly sixteen years.

I'd like to present here a selection of photographs, memories, sayings, and poems in remembrance of my best friend... Trooper.

Trooper was for me a positive and enjoyable experience. There has never been a more loyal, devoted friend than Trooper as one who loved me unconditionally.

"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!' --Dave Barry

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. . . .
He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. . . .
When all other friends desert, he remains." - George G Vest

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." - John Steinbeck

"The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too." --Samuel Butler

Trooper's loyalty and friendship was unwavering and he was always available to help reduce stress and anxiety in my life. He always provided a listening ear or to be the recipient of a good belly rub.

Trooper loved to romp and play in the snow.

More than just a fun diversion or entertaining pet, Trooper was an important part of my family who for sixteen years brought trust, friendship, companionship, unconditional love, and joy to my life.

Loyalty

You can't buy loyalty, they say,
I bought it though, the other day
You can't buy friendship, tried and true
Well just the same, I bought that too.
I made my bid and on the spot
Bought love and faith and a whole job lot
Of happiness, so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small
I bought a single trusting heart,
that gave devotion from the start
If you think these things are NOT FOR SALE
Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a wagging tail
- Author Unknown

Trooper loved people and enjoyed welcoming everyone to my home. He might bark at a newcomer or when someone would invade his space around the home... but once he discovered the visitor was a friend... he became a friend to them too.

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." --Roger Caras

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being;
by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man.
With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears
     of dark and unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever
- in case I need him.
And I expect I will - as I always have.
He is just my dog."
- Gene Hill

Trooper was a "master" at catching the frisbee
and spent hours jumping and catching
... and bringing it back for more.

A Dogs Soul

Every dog must have a soul, somewhere deep inside
Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.
Where he decides the good and bad,
     the wrong way from the right,
And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.
A dog must have a secret place, where every thought abides,
A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.
And when accused unjustly for himself, He cannot speak,
Rebuked, He finds within his soul, the comfort he must seek.
He'll love, tho'he is unloved, and he'll serve tho'badly used,
And one kind word will wipe away the times when he's abused.
Altho' his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole,
Because God gave to every dog an understanding Soul!
- Unknown

"Dogs are our link to paradise.
They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent.
To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon
is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring-
-it was peace." - Milan Kundera

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of ther universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." - Roger Caras

"They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation." - Jerome K. Jerome

The ocassional hardships Trooper brought on - trips to the vet and taking care of unexpected medical expenses were well worth my time and money.

In the end - it was hard to let go of a devoted friend and Trooper will always be remembered in a special place in my heart and soul.