RIP, Blue, Loveliest Dog I Ever Met

3/25/2022

Blue. Photo from Isabel

I called her Pretty Girl whenever she sat by my side.
She must have known I was smitten, because she let me pet her
and talk to her even if her immediate family members were right there.

She was a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, a highly desirable breed, tooled to chase sheep up a steep incline, sorting out dawdlers.
She could muster her speed and power when let loose in safe terrain but she was gentle and domesticated in Dave and Joelle’s house, near us.

She had beautiful color and soft hair and a sleek face. She could have been a model.

Max Scherzer

She was named Blue, for her right eye, alongside her darker left eye. Exactly -- just like Max Scherzer, the traveling pitching star, currently with the Mets. When I see Scherzer blowing hitters away, I think of Blue.

(The web says 5 per cent of Blue Merle Australian Shepherds have one blue eye, a genetic variant.)
(The web also says a small percentage of humans has one blue eye, from a common ancestor 6-10,000 years ago.)

I never saw Blue show a temper, even when Isabel’s cat or Greta’s cat sauntered by. Blue tolerated the felines, shared food space and floor space. She was beautiful; she had nothing to prove.

I am not a dog person (and my wife has major dog allergies), but I did love our highly neurotic and foul-smelling cocker spaniel named Ebony, adopted while I was out of town, and good sport that I am, I walked her and washed her, and in turn she cuddled at my feet when I was reading or napping.
I always referred to her as “my last dog,” but I still get sad when I think about her (and think I smell her, two decades later) whenever I lie down on my couch for a nap.

Most of my family loves dogs. My mother adored Taffy, whom she walked for exercise while gallantly fighting back Multiple Sclerosis, and my sister Janet and brother Peter both have dogs these days.

Laura and Diane had Griffey, a springer spaniel who could haul driftwood out of heavy surf north of Seattle. When Laura was a sports columnist out there, she knew and liked Ken Jr., who asked why she named her dog Griffey. “Annoying….and cute,” she said, and Ken seemed okay with that.

More recently, they had a little Lhasa Maltese mix, whom I nicknamed The Yapper, in homage to Donnie Iris and the Jaggerz and their hit song, “The Rapper:”

The Yapper used to snap and snarl at me, even when I was feeding her or taking her for a walk. But as she got older and wiser, she sat at my feet and let me pet her.

Peter and Corinna had Ginger, an English bred Yellow Lab whom Corinna took for long pre-dawn walks in the neighborhood, and when Ginger was fading, she was replaced by Finnbar Octavian, whom they also love.

David and Joelle adopted Blue 10 years ago from the great North Shore Animal League, near us in Port Washington. She was said to be six months old, but maybe she was older, because she was so mature.

In her first years, Blue had the energy of a teen-ager. We’d go in the back yard and I would boot a soft soccer ball into a far corner. and she’d bolt to get it, as if it were a wayward sheep.
A couple of years ago, I sent a ball into a corner and she gave me a baleful look, one blue eye and one dark eye, as if to say, “Uh, I don’t do that stuff anymore.”
Either way, she was still beautiful.

A month or two ago, she stopped eating much, and began losing weight and her coat became splotchy and she mostly sat and watched. Her family sought good veterinary care, and the verdict was stomach cancer.
While Blue could still get around, David took her to Bar Beach, where she loved to romp at low tide, and Dave posted it on Twitter.
I came by to hug her one more time, and on Friday family members received a photo from Dave, of an empty collar with the name "Blue" on it.

Marianne wrote:

"She’s running up the mountain, free again. ❤ to her, on her way."

Blue, low tide, Bar Beach, the other day.

Speaking of hills to climb again, may I offer this song, by Alice Gerrard, sung by Kathy Mattea.
For Blue: "Agate Hill."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adm_rbwCZJU

Angela McKenzie

3/25/2022 07:09:33 pm

Beautifully written, your ode to Blue. Until recently, there was never a dog I could wholeheartedly become attached to; then we got Buzz about a year ago and everything changed. I now understand what it's all about when those large doleful trusting eyes look up at me expecting to be let out, or to be fed.

George

3/25/2022 08:26:20 pm

Hi, Angela, I think it's true -- not all dogs are the same. I brought in one to the dog shelter, at 15 or 16, who used to bite the kids in my large family. That hurt the same as bringing in our cocker...Last time I saw Blue, two days ago, she was wan....but her eyes met mine...
Enjoy Buzz. Regards from the family. G&M

Andy Tansey

3/25/2022 07:42:34 pm

Though from a family of more than a dozen cats, all good friends, I know that dogs are even better friends. Be consoled by the happy memories. Obviously, there are many.

Tom Schwarz link

3/25/2022 07:43:25 pm

I'm tearing up here!
One Love from STL
Tom

George

3/25/2022 08:26:48 pm

Andy, Tom: thanks for responding. GV

Randolph

3/25/2022 08:10:36 pm

George,
Dogs…….. there you go again, making me think about days gone by.
Living in the mountains we always had a pack of dogs: one house dog and lots of outside dogs.
I remember Smokey, Rusty, Trigger, Momma Dog, Spot ( yes I realize we weren’t too creative in the naming process) Travis, Isaiah, Blackie, Snoopy, Chevy…….
We had cocker spaniels, mutts, beagles, basset hounds, English pointers. We believed in dog diversity. We even had our own dog cemetery.
I think it was through all those dogs that I grew up with that I came to understand the Buddhist concept of impermanence.
Thanks for this nice piece of writing. Thanks for introducing us to your wonderful dog.
R

PS My father always said that my grandmother, his mother, loved dogs more than she loves humans.
People in the Appalachian mountains would often list the births and deaths of family members in the family Bible. For some reason I inherited my grandmother‘s Bible. The front of the Bible did not have the births and deaths of our family members. No my Queens brother, the list was of all the family dogs.

Also, thanks for the great song by Alice Gerrard, sung by Kathy Mattea.

George

3/25/2022 08:42:06 pm

Randy, your people showed a good scale of values, listing dogs rather than people. Thanks for noticing the Gerrard song, sung by Kathy Mattea, your homey from WVA. I think I told you or wrote about it when she sang in the little playhouse in our old grade school near me. A real mensch. Met her backstage...she wanted to talk about Loretta Lynn.
After my wife wrote about Blue climbing a big hill again, I immediately flashed on Mattea's recording of the Gerrard song.
Be well, GV

Altenir Silva

3/25/2022 08:22:49 pm

George: My heart is with you all. Losing a pet is very sad. RIP Blue.
Altenir

Michael

3/25/2022 11:26:25 pm

I still miss my childhood dog Yoji 1967-79, and my daughters’ childhood dog Zoey 1995-08. Thanks for speaking up for our dear pets and their innocent & unconditional love.

Ed Martin

3/25/2022 11:49:25 pm

Sorry. Its a family loss.

Just this week I dreamed a out “Smokey,” a black lab, named by the kids. He died about 40 years ago, a hit and run.

He was a great dog, almost always came when called, behaved. He was a tad less obedient for Peggy, a little less for Scott and often took off when with Bruce, three years younger than Scott.

He carried things when happy, (most of the time), a slipper, a sneaker, outside- sticks of course, but rocks too.

In my dream, he was in a wooded area, swam in a pond, then ran off into the woods he loved.

In the Light, Blue, Smokey, and you all.

Roy Edelsack

3/26/2022 07:16:06 am

Roger McGuinn adapted the folk song "Old Blue" for the Byrds and, well the lyrics tell the story:

Well I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Yes, I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Well I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Bet ya five dollars he's a good dog too
Old Blue chased a possum up a holler (hollow) limb
Blue chased a possum up a holler limb
Blue chased a possum up a holler limb
The possum growled, Blue whined at him
Bye bye Blue
You good dog you
Bye bye Blue
You good dog you
When old Blue died he died so hard
He shook the ground in my back yard
We lowered him down with a golden chain
And every link we called his name
Bye bye Blue You good dog you
Bye bye Blue
You good dog you
My old Blue he was a good old hound
You'd hear him hollering miles around
When I get to Heaven first thing I'll do
I'll grab my horn and call for Blue
Bye bye Blue
You good dog you
Bye bye Blue
You good dog you

George

3/27/2022 04:51:40 pm

McGuinn's adaptation reminded me of John Prine’s last appearance at Austin City Limits, clearly on his way out, when he did his “When I Get to Heaven.”
Plus, "(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine," by by Tom T. Hall.
Dogs definitely get intro our hearts. Thanks, man.

Diane Tuman

3/26/2022 09:09:40 am

Nice tribute to Blue, one of the best dogs ever. Somehow these creatures steal our hearts and leave us much too soon. The heartache is unbearable.

George

3/26/2022 09:28:53 am

Di, thank you. Having spent quality time with The Yapper in those years, I know what you mean. Seeing her willingly pad over to me, after her routine, I would hang out just to enjoy her presence at my feet or or the couch. On the other hand, think of the freedom of movement.....just saying. G

Gene Palumbo

3/26/2022 11:12:55 am

On George's previous post, we spoke a lot about his article in the N.Y.Times about the Mets. I wrote that, for those who couldn't read it due to the paywall that blocks non-subscribers, I'd download it and post it at the end of the "comments" section. I've now posted it there; it's in three parts. Enjoy!

Clare Gentile

3/27/2022 12:44:54 pm

I know the pain of your loss. My sweet Susie died 16 months ago, and I'm still bleeding. She was all I had, and she was the greatest gift of my life. My heart is with all of you who have lost your beloved friends.

George

3/27/2022 04:45:02 pm

Dear Clare Gentile: Thank you for your heartfelt note. You were so close to her....I am sure she stays with you. I'm honored to see your note on this site. Best, George

bruce

3/27/2022 06:12:17 pm

george,

excellent piece per usual, but you've gone down a little in my estimation....not a dog guy?

for shame.

i've had a few and some cats, but i'm more a dog person.

my daughter got a shih tzu 14 years ago. i was in japan and asked what breed. she told me and i was disappointed. made a comment about their look.

then i met him when he was four months old.

i have four grandchildren, three step grandchildren and two great children.

i now introduce boo (boober to me) as my favourite grandchild. if i outlive him, i'm not sure i'll recover.

you might've heard this before but...

when you feed a dog his supper every night at 6, he thinks you're a god.

when you feed a cat his supper every night at 6, he thinks you're a servant

bruce

Charlie Lentz link

3/28/2022 01:49:40 am

Dear George,
Just dropping you a line to tell you I loved your recent column as the Mets hit their 60th anniversary. I haven't written to you in the past and commended you on your excellent writing skills. I have had a long career with small newspapers reporting and writing about sports but was laid off a while back and have been struggling, but I find inspiration when I read something really well-written, as was the case with your column on the Mets.
I am 64 and a life-long Pirates fan, I saw my first game at Forbes Field, and fondly remember being able to exit the field through a gate in the outfield, getting the chance to walk to the gate through the outfield was a thrill. It was nice to see you mention Roberto Clemente in your recent column, I watched him play many a game at Forbes Field and to this day it remains a special memory.
To conclude, I hadn't seen you in print for a while and was thrilled to get a chance to read one of your columns once more. Casey had his fans and you have yours, never minimize the impact you make on those who appreciate good writing.
Thank you,
Charlie Lentz
P.S.-- It hurt to see ex-Pirate Don Clendenon win the World Series MVP award for a team other than the Pirates, but nice to see him get it.

George

3/28/2022 12:39:23 pm

Dear Charlie Lentz: Thank you for your note -- nothing better than praise from a colleague. I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble getting back in "the business." I know a few other people, well qualified, who can't get back in, and I also know respected colleagues who got lined up against a wall and machine-gunned out of the business, so to speak. The same skills should held in allied fields....but not easily, as I often hear.
My earliest memories of Forbes, entering through the press gate, 1962, right by the commissary down first base line, and being greeted with the salt-and-butter smell of popcorn being popped. Il love the "new place" but still remember Forbes.
Good luck and thanks for being in touch.George

Randolph

3/28/2022 08:27:33 am

George and Charlie,
The Mets at 60 appeared in todays Times Monday sports section. Apparently George’s article was so good they decided to run it a second time.
R

Alan Rubin link

3/29/2022 04:38:52 pm

A warm tribute to a beloved, but often underrated, family member. Grandparents and pets, mainly dogs and cats, are classic examples of unconditional love.

I have had dogs since the age of eight. Victory, named during WWII, often ran away from our Upper Manhattan apartment. He always came back until one day he didn't.

Shortly after we found a cute white dog tied up in the subway station near us. We waited the month recommended by the police and then she was ours.

She always seemed to know when I was just up the hill coming home from school. It was interesting to see how she guarded her puppies when boxed in our back yard. We lost her to a hit and run car.

Blackie was a gentle, playful Labrador Retriever. In addition to the usual walks, I would run the neighborhood with him during track season my sophomore year in high school.

I could see why they were such good hunting dogs. While playing, he would often grip my wrist with his mouth, but his teeth never hurt. It seemed that he was just resting it in his mouth.

Sadly, I asked my parents to find Blackie a home on a farm where he had all the freedom he needed.

Our one cat was run over by a car. McGee was an outdoor cat and the hero of our suburban neighborhood. She made our neighborhood mole free by killing 52 of them. She was so proud of her efforts that every day one would be deposited at our front door.

I always felt guilty when I ran the electric can opener to trick her into coming down our retractable attic stairs. She thought she was to be fed.

Comments are closed.

QUOTES

Measuring Covid Deaths, by David Leonhardt. July 17, 2023. NYT online.
The United States has reached a milestone in the long struggle against Covid: The total number of Americans dying each day — from any cause — is no longer historically abnormal….

After three horrific years, in which Covid has killed more than one million Americans and transformed parts of daily life, the virus has turned into an ordinary illness.

The progress stems mostly from three factors:
First, about three-quarters of U.S. adults have received at least one vaccine shot.
Second, more than three-quarters of Americans have been infected with Covid, providing natural immunity from future symptoms. (About 97 percent of adults fall into at least one of those first two categories.)
Third, post-infection treatments like Paxlovid, which can reduce the severity of symptoms, became widely available last year.
“Nearly every death is preventable,” Dr. Ashish Jha, who was until recently President Biden’s top Covid adviser, told me. “We are at a point where almost everybody who’s up to date on their vaccines and gets treated if they have Covid, they rarely end up in the hospital, they almost never die.”

That is also true for most high-risk people, Jha pointed out, including older adults — like his parents, who are in their 80s — and people whose immune systems are compromised. “Even for most — not all but most —immuno-compromised people, vaccines are actually still quite effective at preventing against serious illness,” he said. “There has been a lot of bad information out there that somehow if you’re immuno-compromised that vaccines don’t work.”

That excess deaths have fallen close to zero helps make this point: If Covid were still a dire threat to large numbers of people, that would show up in the data.

One point of confusion, I think, has been the way that many Americans — including we in the media — have talked about the immuno-compromised. They are a more diverse group than casual discussion often imagines.

Most immuno-compromised people are at little additional risk from Covid — even people with serious conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or a history of many cancers. A much smaller group, such as people who have received kidney transplants or are undergoing active chemotherapy, face higher risks.

Covid’s toll, to be clear, has not fallen to zero. The C.D.C.’s main Covid webpage estimates that about 80 people per day have been dying from the virus in recent weeks, which is equal to about 1 percent of overall daily deaths.

The official number is probably an exaggeration because it includes some people who had virus when they died even though it was not the underlying cause of death. Other C.D.C. data suggests that almost one-third of official recent Covid deaths have fallen into this category. A study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases came to similar conclusions.

Dr. Shira Doron, the chief infection control officer at Tufts Medicine in Massachusetts, told me that “age is clearly the most substantial risk factor.” Covid’s victims are both older and disproportionately unvaccinated. Given the politics of vaccination, the recent victims are also disproportionately
Republican and white.

Each of these deaths is a tragedy. The deaths that were preventable — because somebody had not received available vaccines and treatments — seem particularly tragic. (Here’s a Times guide to help you think about when to get your next booster shot.)
***

From the great Maureen Dowd:

As I write this, I’m in a deserted newsroom in The Times’s D.C. office. After working at home for two years during Covid, I was elated to get back, so I could wander around and pick up the latest scoop.
But in the last year, there has been only a smattering of people whenever I’m here, with row upon row of empty desks. Sometimes a larger group gets lured in for a meeting with a platter of bagels."

--- Dowd writes about the lost world of journalists clustered in newsrooms at all hours, smoking, drinking, gossipping, making phone calls, typing, editing.
***
"Putting out the paper," we called it.
Much more than nostalgia.
---https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/29/opinion/journalism-newsroom.html

RIP, Blue, Loveliest Dog I Ever Met

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