In Memory of Buck August 8, 1997 June 7, 2004 I remember that summer day in Denver when we decided to go look for a dog. We had visited several kennels and shelters, but hadnt found the right pet. We finally arrived at a kennel that looked rather run down. Going in, I wasnt feeling encouraged. But in we went. We split up and wandered up and down the aisles, looking, searching. Several dogs were pointed out, but they just didnt click. Then I looked down and saw this tiny ball of wiry fur. He wasnt much to look at, but something about him made me pick him up. As I looked him in the eyes, I saw intelligence, humor, and love. I saw big dog attitude wrapped in this little Cairn terrier I held in my hand. I called Jen and the girls to come check out this one. Although all of us had been looking for a big dog, one look was all it took for them to see as well, that the search was complete. As much as we had been searching, it became very obvious that this little fellow had been searching as well. We picked each other. All of us had ideas when it came to naming him. We went through name after name after name, but none seemed just right. Finally, Jen suggested naming him after one of her favorite words, F*ck. After picturing our children calling him in, Come on F*ck! Come in, my little F*cker!, we decided although that was out, we could work with it. Buck was the result of our brainstorming. Buck. Big dog attitude in a pint-sized package. It was perfect, and fit him to a tee! The next test came when we got home and introduced him to our fat cat, Maddie. Buck and Maddie hit it off right away. Perhaps it was because Maddie was 3x his size, or perhaps she too recognized how special he was. I dont know. I do know that I have never in my life seen a dog and cat that loved each other as much. One of my favorite memories will be of Buck lying on the ground beside Maddie, licking and cleaning her ears for her. Sounds kid of gross, but it was Bucks gentle way of letting Maddie know that he loved her. Other favorite memories include watching him pounce in the grass and flowers after geckos, providing Buck-Luck to Scott during video games, having him curl up beside me in my Papa chair and watch Broncos games, and watching him cool down on a hot summer day by taking a quick lap in the pool. Not that he was just a cuddly show dog. No, Buck was truly a protector and wonderful watchdog. He considered himself on duty from sunrise until sunset. He remained watchful and diligent, protecting his family from coyotes, horses, lizards, and everything else that moved. When any of us were outside with him, he would position himself right beside us, but always facing out. Watching. Always watching. But at night, that tough, scrappy little fellow would turn off like a light bulb. What during the day was a bundle of tightly wound muscle, would become a loose sack of potatoes. It was amazing to see the instant transformation. It truly seemed that he had a time clock telling him when he was on duty, and when he could relax. They say that dogs and owners take on each others traits. Well, he and I were very similar. Both of us wired during the daylight hours, constantly in motion. Both of us shut down when the sun went down. I have always been fond of big dogs. But I can honestly say, that Buck opened my eyes, and served as a reminder that it is not about size, breed, or looks. What truly makes a dog (or cat or person) special is the size of their heart. In that regard, Buck was nothing short of a Great Dane. Buck was called to Heaven on a hot afternoon in Phoenix. He was doing something he always enjoyed cooling off with a swim in the pool. We dont know exactly what happened, but know that it must have happened quickly. I dont believe that he felt pain or suffering. Although Buck is no longer sleeping in his bed here on earth, he will always remain in our hearts and memories. He was the model of what a four-legged family member can be. He brought us joy, laughter, safety, and comfort. He was a blessing to us. Now he is with Granddaddy, Nana, Moms mom, and the rest of our family in Heaven. I know that he still loves us, protects us, and watches us. He is here. Always watching. Buck, thank you for being in our lives. Thank you for sharing your love with us. Thank you for watching us.