Thread by @steveschale

A thread about my pup.

When we got him, he was just a goofy 5 month old pup at the shelter. I heard someone else mention they were interested in “Mason” - so I cut in line to get him first. They think he had been born stray.

When he came home, he would eat 4-5x a day. He seemed like the sweetest dog on the planet. He’d curl up on floor next to you — but turns out he wasn’t just sweet - he was really sick. An injured eye, worms, you name it, he had it. Stray puppy life has taken a toll.

After more money than I’d like to admit, the true “Prince” came out. And wow, he was a lot of dog. Two hour walks and he was still ready to go. He destroyed toys, ate carpets, and chewed base boards. But he had these big eyes, and floppy ear that made it impossible to be mad.

I went away and came back cycle after cycle - and ever loyal, he was there, protecting the house & @NikoleKristieS. In 08, 10, and 12, when I basically lived in Tampa - I’d come home after midnight most Fridays — and he’d be waiting up, and would go to door with me when I left.

When Chloe died, he fell into a funk. He just wanted constant hugs, until we went to the shelter — where he — and no one else, picked out Lilly. Having a friend brought him back - and Lilly is the family he chose for us.

He was doted on. He got too many treats. His toy box is impressive.

And when he blew out his knee, I spent six months sleeping on an air mattress the floor so he wouldn’t try to jump on the bed. We even bought him an above ground pool for rehab. He worked his way back.

The last month or so, it was clear something had changed. He didn’t always want to eat. His energy was down. Cancer we learned on Tuesday - and by Saturday afternoon, it was clear we were nearing the end. But even this morning, as he laid on the bed, he was as loving as ever

This was his world. He was a dog’s dog. Even with his name - nothing stuck until I said “damn dog is being such a Prince” & he turned around - he was in complete control. Even at the end, he told us it was time, yet was giving us kisses at the end, as if to say it’s ok.

I do believe God gives us dogs to remind us of His existence. He also takes them from us to remind us of the preciousness of life, and what it means to be unconditionally loved. It’s a cycle that makes us better people.

Until next time, I’m gonna miss you buddy.