No matter how many years we are blessed by our animals’ presence in our life, it’s never long enough. In Southern California, Andy Zahra gets it. He is mourning the loss of his beloved rescue dog Doobie. This handsome boy was too elderly and fragile for surgery and passed away suddenly, despite his dad’s best efforts to help him enjoy more quality time. Today we’re honoring Doobie’s spirit with a tender Tripawd Tuesday tribute written by Andy. We hope you are as moved by this story as we are.
My late wife and I met Doobie/formerly aka Frankie at a no kill pet shelter in Chatsworth. It was love at first glance he was the one we wanted, a large dog. My boy was 85lbs then a little on the skinny side with a lot of energy. When we walked up to his kennel he ran over and started licking our hands it was like he knew us. My late wife and I took him home that day. I did not want another pet however my wife convinced me she needed a companion when I traveled. We did not have any 2-legged kids.
Over the years we would take him traveling with us everywhere we went. When we stayed in a hotel we would get two beds one was for him. He slept on our Cal King at home. He liked to cuddle. My wife fell ill in 2007 and passed in 2008. It was tough times however my boy was there for we when family left to get on with their lives. Doobie was my Rock.
For the next 5 years he would travel with me. Sometimes I would take my boy with me to work. Then someone new came into our lives, my new partner and soon to be my wife. It was not long after she met Doobie she fell in love.
This boy had that effect on everyone who met him. Never gave it a thought but that may be the reason the shelter called him Frankie. They all wanted him. Then my step-daughter came to visit, and he had the same reaction it was love at first hand shake.
He loved his walks and treats. Everyone wanted to pet him. I loved that boy, there was nothing I would not do for him. Not to go into allot of detail on this part. Towards his last days one morning I got up to check on him and by the expression on his face it’s like he was saying “it’s time dad.” It was time to give him back to his maker. My sweet lord took him to paradise.
Some day I will see him and the rest of my 4-legged kids. Doobie I love you and I miss your loving blue eyes.
— Andy.
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I’m in love!! OMD! That face!! Those eyes!!! That smile!!
Thank you soooo much for sharing this very special boy with us. It is a true privilege ro get ro know him.
My tears are bittersweet. The sad part is for you and the sweet part is because Doobie had the best life ever with you!! Yes, he was loaned to you and has now rerurned home, healthy, vibrant and young and free! You gave him that firft when he needed it most. He knew you would not let him down when he told you he was ready for the next chapter.
Please share more of this love bug when you can…and with picturees! I @ove his coloring…I @ove everything avout him! 🙂
You take care. We know this is not easy. We also know he has, or will, make his presence known to you.
Love to all
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Andy,
Stewie and I would like to extend our sympathies and caring thoughts your way! Doobie sounds like a very special fella! You have all been very blessed to have had him in your life! Doobie was there for you in your darkest hour and he will continue to be at your side! These beautiful souls that we love so deeply here on earth, will always be with us and are waiting for us when we are ready and will help guide us to where we find our own wings!
Doobie is with your beloved late wifes spirit now and may i offer my deepest condolences for this great loss in your life! Your newly wed was clearly sent to you at the right time. She got to know Doobie and fell in love and now she knows how great your loss is!
God Bless all of you!
Petra, Paul, Stewie, Spike, Chester, Miss Lily and Ted ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story about sweet Doobie. No matter how much time we have it is never enough. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Michelle & Angel Sassy