RIP Bubba June 24th 2103

Bubba was my first dog. He came to me as a result of a friend who stayed with us who could no longer keep him. He was a little white lhasa apso and wore red T shirts. He quickly adopted me.

It was not long until I discovered that Bubba had some mystical and very special powers. He was not a dog. He could heal people and was caring and compassionate and wanted to look after people. He became a therapy dog and he and I would visit Alzheimers patients and the true magic became apparent. That little dog would know who needed him and his soulful brown eyes would enable them to feel better. Watching Bubba made me realize that God works through his creatures in this case my little Bubba.

Bubba was handsome and debonaire and had a wardrobe that rivalled any diva. He loved to dress up and looked especially dashing in his leather bomber jacket.

He also loved the Conroy pit and other dog parks and loved to explore nature. He developed a special attachment for Cyrils's garden and enjoyed sitting on the deck in the sun.

He was caring and compassionate throughout his entire life, visiting the sick and the lonely but a few things really stand out in my mind. One day after we had worked in a retirement home, we went to Timothy's for coffee. I had coffee, Bubba would sit across from me and have lemon loaf which I would purchase for him. A man came in with dementia shouting with his embarassed son. Bubba noticed and moved to sit beside him. The man made some remarks about dogs but quickly calmed down as Bubba remained by his side.

Bubba did a lot of this. When I brought in Sophie, Bubba accepted her whole heartedly and the two of them became the darlings of the Conroy Pitt. Sophie was with us three years.

Tragedy struck Bubba some two years ago in the form of a soft cell tissue cancer. Bubba was in pain and yet despite his pain welcomed our newest dog, a traumatized little miniature poodle named Luna. He put his paw on her three days after her arrival. He healed her,

His leg was amputated last year but about two months ago, a large tumor developed on his shoulder. It grew and was very aggressive. Bubba was in pain but managed by medication to a large extent. Earlier this month, Cyril went to hospital and Bubba made his last visit as a therapy dog. Once he visited Cyril and knew he was okay he slept very well. Cyril returned home and made a wonderful recovery. Bubba's last patient was alright, Luna was recovered and today at 1300 hrs, the vet administered a lethal dose to Bubba. He died at home surrounded by the people who loved him.

There could not be a braver, more compassionate and beloved dog as Bubba. I read some Scripture to him and sang for him before the vet arrived. Bubba had a dignified end.

Bubba taught us so very much but mainly the idea of being compassionate. Bubba lived compassion and love and mercy throughout his life. There could never be a kinder dog. There will never be another Bubba.