Eulogy to UPPIE
This August 2nd was very hard for me.
Sadly, the sweet Labrador-Border Collie cross pictured with me on my ABOUT US page died. Uppie was his unusual name, because when Uppie was a very young, newly rescued puppy, the owner's toddler could not say "puppy" and the nickname stuck.
Uppie was an undisciplined, wild thing when his owner first brought him to me. A ten-year-old backyard dog who would disappear for 2-3 miles through any opened door or gate . . . well, I was not truly sure WHAT could be done with him.
The owner left him with me for seven weeks. We worked together daily, and Uppie was made a part of this household and "pack." As he was given the security of boundaries and expectations, released his abundant energy through long walks and play, and experienced pride in his "job" of heeling and obeying, the results were phenomenal. He became a dog I would love to have for my own ... so you see, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
When the owner came for Uppie, upon seeing this dignified creature he exclaimed in astonishment: "Is this the same dog?!!" Uppie was so very proud of himself!
The owner eagerly learned what had worked for Uppie, established himself as Pack Leader, and joyfully carried that authority home with them. So, Uppie returned to Virginia to become a loved addition to the family home ... welcomed inside for the first time since his bad-behavior puppyhood.
But inevitably, old age, aches and pains, and physical failures set in, and the end came. In the midst of tears and sorrow there was, nevertheless, the true reward ... the peace and comfort of knowing what the owner then expressed to me: "You have given to us and to him the best two years together in his life!"
I will always remember the diligence, consistency, and patience that Uppie taught me -- but most of all, I will remember his wonderful, happy eyes, his proud, regal bearing when he "discovered" who he was and could be, and all the love he gave. Uppie, your memory is cherished, and you will never be forgotten!
Sadly, the sweet Labrador-Border Collie cross pictured with me on my ABOUT US page died. Uppie was his unusual name, because when Uppie was a very young, newly rescued puppy, the owner's toddler could not say "puppy" and the nickname stuck.
Uppie was an undisciplined, wild thing when his owner first brought him to me. A ten-year-old backyard dog who would disappear for 2-3 miles through any opened door or gate . . . well, I was not truly sure WHAT could be done with him.
The owner left him with me for seven weeks. We worked together daily, and Uppie was made a part of this household and "pack." As he was given the security of boundaries and expectations, released his abundant energy through long walks and play, and experienced pride in his "job" of heeling and obeying, the results were phenomenal. He became a dog I would love to have for my own ... so you see, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
When the owner came for Uppie, upon seeing this dignified creature he exclaimed in astonishment: "Is this the same dog?!!" Uppie was so very proud of himself!
The owner eagerly learned what had worked for Uppie, established himself as Pack Leader, and joyfully carried that authority home with them. So, Uppie returned to Virginia to become a loved addition to the family home ... welcomed inside for the first time since his bad-behavior puppyhood.
But inevitably, old age, aches and pains, and physical failures set in, and the end came. In the midst of tears and sorrow there was, nevertheless, the true reward ... the peace and comfort of knowing what the owner then expressed to me: "You have given to us and to him the best two years together in his life!"
I will always remember the diligence, consistency, and patience that Uppie taught me -- but most of all, I will remember his wonderful, happy eyes, his proud, regal bearing when he "discovered" who he was and could be, and all the love he gave. Uppie, your memory is cherished, and you will never be forgotten!
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