I realized today that while I've written about our Basset buddy Wilbur, I haven't written much about Wilbur's companion Dolly. (Both Wilbur and Dolly live a few miles away from us with our friends Becky and Rich.) Rich found Dolly as a stray while he was out walking one of their dogs. Dolly appeared out of nowhere and decided to join them on their walk. Rich thinks that Dolly was abandoned by her owners because he had never seen her before in their neighborhood. He also heard a car speed away right after he discovered her. As you might imagine, stray cats and dogs don't survive very long in our mountains. We have an abundance of predators such as coyotes, rattlesnakes and hawks and a little dog like Dolly would quickly become an easy meal. Rich brought Dolly home with him and she became a member of their family.
I would describe Dolly's personality as feisty with absolutely no fear of anything or anyone. Here she is showing off her tough girl face. Grrr!
About a year ago Dolly began to have some health issues which included difficulty breathing and a heart condition. Dolly was put on a special diet and had to take numerous medications to treat her various ailments. Sadly, Dolly succumbed to her illness two days ago and passed away peacefully in her sleep at home. Poor Wilbur misses Dolly terribly. Tomorrow we're going to take Trooper over for a visit and hopefully he'll be able to cheer Wilbur up a bit.
This is one of my favorite photos of Dolly because her exuberant personality really shines through. I took this photo the very first time I met Dolly and that's when I gave her the nickname "cutest dog on the planet". I'll always remember Dolly this way... with a bright, happy expression on her face! 
"My little dog, a heartbeat at my feet." ~ Edith Wharton
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17 comments:
Dolly brought so much joy to your lives.
I can see how adorable Dolly was. She really was warmth and friendship in your life. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have you to take care of her.
Dolly looks very sweet. So does poor Wilbur. I hope Trooper can cheer him.
A bittersweet post. I am glad that Dolly had such a loving home in her final years. Wilbur looks a little lost without her. I hope Trooper cheers him up.
that was a nice tribute to dolly and i bet rich and becky will appreciate it!! animals do know when others have passed to the rainbow bridge, so poor Wilbur feels the loss. Hopefully he'll be cheered up by Trooper!
Thank you for this story! It must be a great emptiness she left. Thank you for your visit!
Ooops! I'm sorry I goofed up here thinking Dolly was yours. (That's what I get for reading too fast.) I realize now that she was your friend's dog. I can see what a wonderful friend you were to them.
So sorry about Dolly - we have just lost our Badger. We are still doing things as if she was present - we had her for 14 years and her brother for 12.
Leaves a hole in your life when they go.
Oh Wilbur is so cute.
So sorry to hear about Dolly. Making me tear up!
I am sorry about Dolly. You paid a wonderful tribute to her...
I'm so sorry to hear about Dolly. She was definitely a cutie. Poor Wilbur.
wow! impressive dogs, they looks so beautiful and brilliant. How I wish I have like that at home, love to hug everyday..
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss! Dolly was an adorable dog. At least she's out of pain. Wilburn looks so sad. I hope that Trooper or something or some other little friend will cheer him up! He looks so lost and grief-stricken as you all must feel... my thoughts are with you all. Animals are as much a part of the family as humans (in my opinion).
Awwww what a little sweetheart. My heart goes out to her owners and Wilbur.
I am so sorry about Dolly and I hope Wilbur is coming along okay. I lost my sweet Melody a year ago, she is waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge just this side of Heaven and so Dolly is also waiting for you and Wilbur.
Dolly is very cute...and when she looks its very very a heart melting pair of eyes..=)
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