Bridget
Bridget never met a human she didn’t like, and inspired compliments and admiration wherever she went. She loved being the center of attention, finding delight in every visitor, rushing to greet them and collect her “dog tax” of butt scratches. No one was immune to her charms, and she would get quite worked up and vocal for her favorite people, returning affection tenfold.
Bridget was unusually energetic for a Leonberger, and very athletic. In her younger days she would often demonstrate her prowess with astonishing leaps over obstacles and a very un-Leo-like love of playing endless fetch with her ball. As the years went by, she slowed a bit but even into double digits she could be counted on for a few rounds of fetch or a good tug of war.
Her loyalty and trustworthiness were unmatched. I’ve often told the story of how, when re-doing my entryway and laundry area, I had my entire pantry (including open bags & boxes of snacks, chips, etc.) sitting in my living room on a folding table and even on the floor for 3 months – and she never touched a single thing. It never even occurred to her. There were several times when I was gone for five or six hours and came home to find everything exactly where I’d left it. Visitors were often baffled that her treat shelf in the kitchen was at eye level and open to plunder, but Bridget was very wise and knew that dad would still see to it that she got plenty of spoiling. No need to pilfer.
I’d always held out the unrealistic dream that Bridget would live forever, but about a month ago she started favoring her back left leg. Tests confirmed that bone cancer had all but taken her left femur. With her age in mind, I made the rough decision not to put her through major surgery and chemo and to try and make her last days as comfortable and loving as possible. I feel very grateful that I was able to give Bridget one last gift by keeping her here at our home to say goodbye surrounded by friends and family. She passed peacefully as I held her close and whispered into her fluffy little ear one last time. I’m sure you finally caught that mischievous blue heron, my little golden lion dog. Some day you can tell me all about it. I love you – Dad.
