He has been my faithful companion since 1993. That was a very special year. We named him Dusty because he reminded us of a dust mop. He’s a dog, our family pet.
Dusty is a Lhasa Apso. His breed began as a watch dog. Nicknamed, the lion dog because of their furry coat, they sounded the alarm when danger approached the palace. Now, it is a popular show dog breed. But, we have never entered him into a show, but he has been quite the entertainer.
Feisty and independent he faces up to any other dog with a fierce spirit. If a canine cousin closes in on our property he turns into a barking machine. Even a St. Bernard got it in the scruff of its neck when it wandered too closely.
Dusty has given us many laughs. He has a unique character and personality that makes me smile. He has given my children many adventures, companionship when no humans would do, and many warm snuggles whenever they were needed.
He has joined us on some of life’s greatest adventures. When we went camping he joined us. Fishing ventures had him sniffing fresh trout. Anything that we did for fun, Dusty enhanced the laughter with his very unique antics.
Hospitality in our home is household term. Guests found Dusty amazingly entertaining. His energy, friskiness and personality gave him star status with family and friends.
Now, Dusty is old. He doesn’t see very well, his hearing is failing and his bodily control is often lost. Once very well trained, we could count on his discipline any where in our home. Whenever he needed to “do his business,” he dutifully went to the back door and barked to be let outside. Now, he has frequent accidents. He’s losing control.
He sleeps a lot, but often at my feet when I am studying or reading. Now, when I sit down he looks up at me with very familiar eyes. I smile, reach down and lift him up so that he can cuddle next to me. Jumping up on the sofa is an act of young dogs. Dusty is no longer young.
While he sleeps, I stroke his soft fluffy hair. He has meant so much to me over the years and asked for so little. Now, it’s my turn to do more for him. Life and love are precious gifts from the Lord. Enjoy it wherever the Lord gives it to you.
6 comments
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December 10, 2008 at 4:25 pm
HEATHER ZAMBARDINO
Hello, my name is Heather. I had a lahsa apso for ten years and just lost him on monday. He had multiple problems. But through all of the 10 years, he went everywhere with us. And up until the day he died still wanted to go riding where ever we were going.
I just wanted to look at pictures of more dogs like him, so i googled in pictures of lahsa apso’s and your picture showed up.
I enjoyed reading what you wrote. It made me smile and it made me cry. They are the best friends you could ever ask for. And i thank god every day for letting me have had the chance to love and care for my little angel.
I know in time my pain will heal. But i just wanted to thank you for what you wrote. It’s nice to hear from someone who knows just what kind of dogs, ( people ) they really were. Thank you!
December 10, 2008 at 5:06 pm
brucefong
Thanks for stopping in for a visit…and a good cry. These little guys are so special. Come by often. My desire is to extend comfort, give encouragement, provide refreshment for all who are on life’s journey. God bless you!
January 13, 2009 at 5:54 am
danybhoy
Hello from Minnesota,
We have a lhasa apso that turned 11 on 10/20/08, her name is Sadie. She was diagnosed with diabetis about 4 months before she turned 9. Everyday, twice a day, she gets insulin shots. In the morning when she gets fed, & in the evening when she gets fed. Sadie was a successful mooch, & that along with the fact that lhasa apsos are more likely then most breeds to become diabetic, was a bad combo. I know of at least 1 other lhasa, named D’Artagnan in Burnaby, B.C (Vancouver area) with the same boat. As stuborn a dog as Sadie is, she is very good about her twice a day shots.
I get the part about older dogs & not being able to do what they once did. Yeah, she likes to go into the backyard, but cannot chase rabbits(she caught 3 by the age of 6)or squirrels, but she still goes out for the sniffs & smells. She never liked going for car rides, but loves to sit, lay, & sleep in the bay window in the front of the house. She no longer can jump up & down from height of 2 1/2 feet, so we built her a step. She has more toys then a dog could need, & she has her blanky that she got as a puppy.
We don’t know how much time she has left, her diabetis makes it hard to judge, but we treasure the time we have with her more because we almost lost her before she turned 9. Not like we did’nt treasure her before, but the fact she nearly passed puts a fine point to that.
Tomorow is promised to nobody, so enjoy your Dusty the way we enjoy our Sadie. Time is short with older dog/pets, you’ll regret it if you don’t use it well. As for Heather, I’m sorry to hear of your loss, I am not looking forward to that day with Sadie.
Thanks for allowing me to comment, I enjoyed the site. I hear Sadie’s tags, she is looking to go out…
Cheers, danybhoy
January 13, 2009 at 8:35 am
brucefong
Our lives are so much calmer, cheerier, and fun because we invested so little in these little guys, yet receive so much in return. Thanks for stopping by my blog. You are always welcome. God bless you!
January 14, 2009 at 6:10 am
danybhoy
Thank you, I enjoyed the photos of Dusty, sounds much like Sadie in the way of being entertaining. Quite often the clown. It’s tough to watch a dog grow old, & all that comes with aging dogs. We worry ourselves to death over their health issues that come with aging.
I tell everyone in my boat, & you are in the same boat with an aging dog/pet that is coming toward the end of the road, or like Heather who has reached that point to read a book by Mark R. Levin called “Rescuing Sprite, A dog lover’s story of joy & Anguish”. Yes, this is the Mark Levin who has an evening political talk show. I don’t know your politics, whatever they are, put them aside. It’s a great little (216 pages) read. It describes his love of his dogs, & dealing with the failing health of his dog, Sprite. If you find the time, do so. Levin wrote the book because he felt he needed a book like this, but did’nt have it. So he wrote it.
Thank you, God bless you, & stay warm, it’s cold out now.
danybhoy
January 14, 2009 at 10:14 am
brucefong
Thanks for your thoughts. We who have loved our dogs have enjoyed them as a special blessing. Our lives are richer, our memories are brighter and our appreciation for life is so much deeper. You are always welcome to stop by my blog for a moment of refreshment. God bless you.