By Joe Hobby
Mother’s Day is a good time to reflect on all the things your Mom gave you. As I look back, I believe one of the greatest gifts my mother passed on to me was a love for animals. Growing up, we had a dog and three cats – not at the same time, of course. That would’ve never worked in my family. Mom loved them all, but I’m pretty sure she had a favorite – our boxer named Buck. My brother bought him when I was five years old. What a magnificent dog he was – his ears were bobbed perfectly, he had a nub for a tail, and a splotch of white on his proud chest. He was muscular and beautiful – exactly what you envision a boxer to be.
Since those were the days before fences or leash laws, Buck went everywhere with me. When I went to the woods, the creek, or my friend’s house to play football, he was sure to be right by my side. He was gentle and loving but had a baritone bark that could strike fear into the heart of the bravest milkman.
Mom wasn’t crazy about Buck being in the house, so my sister and I would wait until she left, then sneak him inside. He was so happy – it seemed like he realized he was getting away with something too. We were playing with him in the living room one day, and he jumped on the coffee table, scratching it with his paws. I managed to keep a magazine over that indiscretion for several months until Mom discovered it. And dog lover or not, I got in big trouble for that one. But did it stop us from letting him in the house? Of course not! We just closed the doors to the living room. I’m sure mother knew, but she never mentioned it again.
When Buck died of kidney failure, Mother handled it all before I got home from high school. When I came back to the house, he was just gone. I still remember the empty, sick feeling. Death can be especially cruel to a teenager. It had to be difficult for my Mom, but she tried her best to hide her pain and console me. It didn’t work. Buck was a very important member of our family, but to me, he was my four-legged brother. I was inconsolable. I never fully realized how important he was to all of us until a few Christmases ago when I surprised my brother and sisters with framed pictures of Buck.
They all cried.
Some cuts never entirely heal.
After I left home, Mom and Dad had a couple of cats but never owned another dog. I always thought that was unusual, but I never asked her why.
Later in life, I got my beloved bird dog, Precious. Mother took to her immediately. It was fun for me to bring Presh over to her garden home and watch them play together. I still have a cherished video of Mom playing keep-away with a ball in her backyard. It was obvious both were enjoying themselves. Even as I write this, I’m smiling just thinking about Mom trying to take that tennis ball out of the dog’s mouth while Precious’ fake growled. After one of their play sessions, I finally asked her the question I had wondered about my whole life.
“Mom, why did you never get another dog?”
The answer came without hesitation. “Joe, I never got over the first one.”
A few months later, an auto accident would take Mom from us. And a few years after that, age would take Precious. I still grieve for both of them – that hole in my heart is still very much there. But I know I’ll see them again. My dog Buck too. It will undoubtedly be a grand reunion.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thanks for everything you did for me. One more favor – would you please keep on walking Buck and Precious until I get there?
And I’m still sorry about your coffee table. Ask around – I’ll bet there’s a carpenter up there who can fix it. I’m sure He loves animals too.
Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: https://mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com/?m=1. Also, follow him on Facebook at Joe Hobby Comedian- Writer