Farewell Friend

Bullwinkle J. Moose Waller died on December 19, 2005. He was 12 years old.

Bullwinkle was the dog I really didn't want. Paul wanted him and all of a sudden, I had a dog living with me while I was in graduate school. He was a terrible puppy. He ate my Daytimer, a chair (down to the wood frame!), an untold number of shoes, and about six cookbooks. In spite of all of that, Bullwinkle was the best roommate I ever had.

We completed my Master's Thesis together. He lived through our engagement, wedding and three moves! Bullwinkle started Bulldog Baskets with me. He is the larger of the dogs in our logo. Many days he slept under my work table while I made put baskets together. Many nights he gave me ugly looks while I continued to work and he was ready to go to bed.

He was my watchdog and bodyguard while Paul was away for 6 months of law enforcement training. He survived my first pregnancy and was not the least bit jealous when Mary Carroll arrived on his turf. Oh, that he had been that kind to Buttons when she arrived! He was sweet to Mary Carroll, Claire, and even Diana as they crawled and walked, pulled, poked, leaned on and rode him. He was very frail when Diana arrived, but just as gentle as he could be with her.

Bullwinkle was such a loveable dog. He thought he was a lap dog and many nights he would snuggle up with me or with Paul. Before long, we would be completely relaxed by the rhythm of his gentle snoring. We all miss him terribly. It is truly a wonderful thing to have a dog that is content to be wherever you are and is content just to be with you.

Bullwinkle died snuggled up in my lap, a perfect ending for a perfect companion. When the girls asked if Winkle went to heaven, we obviously said yes. In my heart, I know Wink did go to heaven. How could the Lord resist an angel with a wrinkled face, big jowls, lots of drool, a heart full of love, and sweet doggy breath? We sure couldn't!