Buster Leaves Us Too Soon
We are so sad to tell our fans and followers that Buster passed away shortly before Christmas, after suffering a sudden decline in health. We thought at first that he had injured a leg and would respond to a few days of rest and pain control, but it was soon evident that the situation was far more serious. A dedicated team of GSRA volunteers and vet clinic staff kept him comfortable through his final days and surrounded by love until the very end, and all were touched by his gentle spirit.
Of course, all GSRA dogs are equally worthy of finding loving homes, but it’s hard to deny that there was something special about Buster that went much deeper than his stunning good looks. We’ve tried to convey that in these blog posts, and I hope it has come through. My intent in this final post is to share some of my favorite memories of him.
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| No Barrier for Buster |
This was taken shortly after Buster came to my home for foster care. I had constructed a barrier to keep the dogs out of the kitchen while I mopped the floor, and happened to glance up to see that my labors were being watched. Do you see a Buster-sized hole there? Me neither. This was an early indication that Buster had “opinions” about things and would apply his considerable determination to overcoming obstacles. Maybe there’s a lesson there for all of us.
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| GSRA's Top Model |
Buster was proud at the reunion picnic to see so many people wearing “his” tee-shirts. If anyone isn’t aware, that’s him on the back of the blue tie-died shirts.
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| Buster's T-shirt |
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| 2011 GSRA Reunion Picnic |
Another happy memory from the picnic was this wonderful photo of Buster with the rest of the Fab Five (from left to right: Tina, Buster, Georgia, Gunner, and Queenie). This so perfectly captures the work of GSRA that no additional words are needed.
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| Group Snuggle |
During group snuggle time, Buster uses body language to tell us what he thinks about his place in the pack.
In late September Buster had what was probably a new experience for him: a hike in the woods to a river swimming hole. He was fascinated by all the autumn smells in the woods and kept up a steady pace for the two-mile round trip, which was a big walk for him. At the river, determination to follow his people took him into the water and swimming! He wore a look of surprise initially, but then soon relaxed and paddled around for a while. He also enjoyed lying right at the water’s edge and taking in the scene. Now that he’s gone and I no longer have his gentle presence in my home, I find myself remembering this day, Buster’s own perfect “moment in time.” One day, when the time is right, this is where I will return to scatter his ashes. |
| Buster's Perfect Moment in Time |
The tragedy of loving these magnificent dogs is that we outlive them by so much. We dearly wish that Buster could have had more time in his new life, but he surely embraced the time he did have. Rest in peace Big Guy, you touched so many of us.
I am so sorry for our lose of Buster. Buster was and always will be a star.I know life is a bit dimmer without him but the heavens just got a bit brighter. Look up - he is there,smiling.
ReplyDeleteSheri
GSRA
It's hard for us to understand why Buster had to leave us so soon. He was the sentinel of the Fab Five group - the one who, in the early days of their rescue, reassured us that all the dogs would eventually be ok. While the foster parents of the other 4 dogs fretted over their physical and mental health, Buster played it cool and seemed to adjust to his new life with ease. Buster didn't let anything get him down. As can be seen from the first picture in this blog, NO obstacle was too big for this boy to overcome. Buster had a quiet determination and steadfastness that embodied the German Shepherd Dog breed. When we first met Buster he was extremely stoic, almost like a life-sized version of all those blasted trophies that littered his kennel. We wondered whether or not he would ever allow himself to be open to love. We needn't have worried though. Soon after moving to Carol's it was clear to anyone that saw them together that Buster adored his foster Mom. He had a softness and vulnerability about him that was never present at the kennel. When we were reminiscing about Buster's transformation on the last day he was with us, Carol explained it by saying that all she did was "let him be a dog". Funny how such a simple act could translate into such an enormous gift to a dog. For all his trophies, and all his titles and all his pedigreed offspring, I would challenge anyone to argue that Buster had EVER been as happy or as content as he was with Carol - just being a dog. Thank you Carol for giving Buster the gift of love.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you to Angie, the Fab Five's original Guardian Angel. Without you Angie, none of these dogs would be living the joyous lives they are now sharing with their families.
Andrea & Jon
So sorry for the lose of Buster. I have been following the Fab 5 and see the pictures of how you guys all did/are doing such a wonderful job with these dogs. Dogs finally able to be dogs! I know that they won't be with us as long as we all would hope. Remember though, that the last things they will remember is the wonderful new life you all have given them! They will cross over knowing love! For that I am forever thankful to the great rescuers that give so much of themselves for these wonderful animals.! RIP Buster... you will always be remembered.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is full of sadness and also full of joy. Sad that Buster left us way too early, but joyful that he was able to experience life and be loved. Knowing Carol and what a wonderful person she is, I have no doubt that one glorious day with her made him forget all the bad ones he once endured. They say dogs live in the moment, I really hope that is true. I'm just so glad that his last moments were with his foster mommy. I know when he crossed over rainbow bridge he knew love and passed with dignity. Carol, you were a true gift to Buster as I'm sure you felt he was to you. Thank you for all you do! I think of all the lives you've touched and it just makes me smile and feel very lucky to know such a remarkable person! Buster will always live on in my memory.
ReplyDeleteHeather