Ode to a fine little gentleman...

Born September 5, 2005--he actually didn't have any papers, and bringing him home at 7 weeks was more like a rescue mission than a purchase.  I didn't know she was a puppy mill until I'd seen him, and then I had to save him.  He had mites, worms, and was leaky on one end, but we got him fixed up in short order. 

He spent 13 years with us, traveled a lot--good car dog once he understood thumping us on the arm w/ a paw won't make the ride shorter.  He had his own SCA Medieval Tabbard for events.  We hiked miles together, took so many walks, and he never spent one night without either the hubs or I or both.  I worked from home his whole life, so he was pretty spoiled and very loved.  One lady said, "He has a very polite tongue."  He did--he was never one to jump in your face and start licking, but he would give a hello lick to your hand. 

My son reminded me of a game we played with him early on.  As a puppy, he was meeting our small grandchildren (baby & toddler), and I told my son he wouldn't mess with the babies' toys.  To prove it, we put one of Schultz's toys at the bottom of a pile of baby toys, and Schultz dug through, got his, and lay down with it.  Smart little guy--potty trained at 10 wks because we had a bell on the door.  This worked until he figured he could get some Out Time if he rang it, pee-time or not. 

I won't wail and carry on after today, but I know you all have and love pets, so you understand.  My cats keep looking for him.  I am fairly sure I'm a better person for having loved this dog.