Buster

On February 17, 2013 one of the sweetest, chunkiest, little bulldogs came into the lives of Maggie, Charlie and Eva. He had a lot to live up to after they’d unexpectedly lost their beloved boy Max and it was rough going at first for a number of reasons. Mainly because they’d gotten that little stinker in February and it was cold and snowy. Trying to potty train a tiny, short-haired, stubborn bulldog while you’ve got a 21 month old? Not optimal and dare I say, maybe not great planning. However, they’d come home from vacation to an empty house (Max had passed away while they were gone) and the void was too much. Within a week of their return, they could stand it no longer and ended up with a rolly polly, little, wrinkled-faced boy.

Buster ended up being everything you could want in a family pup. He was amazingly sweet and gentle and had the best disposition. He was a wonderful puppy brother to his girl Eva and she could do anything to him without him ever making a fuss. That was certainly good training for when Birdie came along. As every big puppy brother should do, Buster showed Birdie the ropes. Though I’m sure it was quite the rude awakening for Buster when that little spitfire entered his house, they were a perfect match. They were the epitome of yin vs. yang. They complimented each other beautifully. Buster taught Birdie all the important things like how to wait her turn: Buster always eats first. He taught her that all toys and bones are his; she is only allowed to play with his belongings if given permission or if he isn’t watching. He taught her not to poke the bear but if she does, to run away quickly and into her momma’s lap, posthaste! He taught her how to be the best girl like he’d been the best boy and he taught her about unconditional love.

 

Buster loved all of his humans equally. At any given time, he could be found following Maggie around (tripping her up really, while she cooked) or sacked out with Eva on her bed (when he could still hoist his big old butt up there). More likely than not, however, if his daddy was home, Bussie would be cuddled up on the ottoman between Charlie’s legs as he watched some crazy show (Buster being the only one who would put up with the crazy shit Charlie tends to watch). Buster wasn’t finicky about who he slept with either. He liked having a variety of bed partners. When I was around, I had to expect I’d have that little fireplug hunkered under the covers with me or snoring rudely in my ear. He certainly wasn’t particular.

Today, after just over 11 years and 7 months or 4,240 days, Buster’s enormous presence will no longer be found in the Egbert household. He won’t be snoozing in his bed in front of the fireplace with Birdie nearby. He won’t be sacked out on the deck, waking only to move to the ever-moving spot of the sunshine. He won’t be found rolling around on the carpet scratching his back, grunting like a maniac. Instead, Buster will be embedded in the hearts of those who loved him, which is everyone that ever met him. Buster’s absence, I know, will be devastating, but I know his presence will forever be lodged in Maggie, Charlie’s, Eva’s, and Birdie’s minds and souls.

  

Godspeed Buster, you were the best Marbles ever!