Tribute to Atticus from his Mom Jourdan
After a month of battling cancer, we let our precious Atticus go to heaven.
For the past ten years, Atticus has been so much more than just a dog, he has been an integral part of the family. He has been a joyous source of laughter, a comical source of entertainment, a reliable source of support.
This guy had personality. Strangers all over LA have pictures of Atticus on their cell phones…photos from the vet office waiting room - where he wouldn’t hesitate to climb up the benches and sit on strangers’ laps; all 90 pounds of him. Photos from our walks – where people on the street stared in disbelief at how well-behaved he was off-leash, and how he sat at every sidewalk crossing and looked up at us, waiting for permission to cross the street. Photos from inside restaurants, bars, and shops - where he would be invited in by the store owners who laughingly knew him as the “West Hollywood Goodwill Ambassador.”
Some strangers were afraid of the big, ominous looking beast, but he’d wag his tail, lean in for a cuddle, and give kisses to them, their dog or their child, instantly reassuring them. Even friends who were once scared of dogs couldn’t resist his charm, and would make a point to stop by whenever they could to visit him.
Atticus was always a gentle soul. He would bring lizards inside, but not to hurt them, just to let them go and explore his house. He would protect and guide Francie when she got older, never taking his eyes off of her. He was always there for us, a fixture in the background, patiently waiting to give or receive love. He was also a brave soul – from warding off coyotes from attacking a baby (true story) to rescuing Francie when she got lost in the woods.
Every ounce of his being was kind and loving. During his last days, he would get noticeably upset if we cried about his illness. He taught us to try and be positive, no matter how bad things were. His whole life, Atticus always had a “smile,” even on his last day. And even though he was uncomfortable and at times in pain, that didn’t stop him from following me around the house, checking to make sure where I was, and if I was okay.
He was an inspiration for how to live life – as a series of good times – with lots of dancing and wiggling, lots of cuddling, lots of sass, and lots of love.
Party on Atticus. We know you’re up there frolicking with Francie……but we are sure missing you both down here.
This guy had personality. Strangers all over LA have pictures of Atticus on their cell phones…photos from the vet office waiting room - where he wouldn’t hesitate to climb up the benches and sit on strangers’ laps; all 90 pounds of him. Photos from our walks – where people on the street stared in disbelief at how well-behaved he was off-leash, and how he sat at every sidewalk crossing and looked up at us, waiting for permission to cross the street. Photos from inside restaurants, bars, and shops - where he would be invited in by the store owners who laughingly knew him as the “West Hollywood Goodwill Ambassador.”
Some strangers were afraid of the big, ominous looking beast, but he’d wag his tail, lean in for a cuddle, and give kisses to them, their dog or their child, instantly reassuring them. Even friends who were once scared of dogs couldn’t resist his charm, and would make a point to stop by whenever they could to visit him.
Atticus was always a gentle soul. He would bring lizards inside, but not to hurt them, just to let them go and explore his house. He would protect and guide Francie when she got older, never taking his eyes off of her. He was always there for us, a fixture in the background, patiently waiting to give or receive love. He was also a brave soul – from warding off coyotes from attacking a baby (true story) to rescuing Francie when she got lost in the woods.
Every ounce of his being was kind and loving. During his last days, he would get noticeably upset if we cried about his illness. He taught us to try and be positive, no matter how bad things were. His whole life, Atticus always had a “smile,” even on his last day. And even though he was uncomfortable and at times in pain, that didn’t stop him from following me around the house, checking to make sure where I was, and if I was okay.
He was an inspiration for how to live life – as a series of good times – with lots of dancing and wiggling, lots of cuddling, lots of sass, and lots of love.
Party on Atticus. We know you’re up there frolicking with Francie……but we are sure missing you both down here.
Tribute to Atticus from his Dad Garry
When I first met Atticus, he sassed me non-stop. Little did he or I realize what special “mates” we would become. When Jourdan and I first started dating, Atticus’ leg had just recently healed from an operation. The 4 of us (including the very special Frances) went on a hike. The trail ended at a set of about 350 stairs. We realized that after about 20 stairs, Atticus was not happy. So I carried my new 90 pound mate, who trusted me completely, to the top of the stairs. Whenever we stopped to rest, he would lean into me for support.
Needless to say, a bond was formed that would never break. Atticus became my best mate in my new home country and I will be eternally grateful that such a perfect spirit and truly wonderful soul let me be his mate. Atticus helped Jourdan and me get through the loss of Francie, though the loss of his big sister must have hurt him deeply.
He even forgave us for filling our home with 11 foster dogs over the ensuing months, which included the “death of a thousand nibbles” he endured as Uncle Atticus to 4 little foster puppies.
I have known many dogs, both in Australia and in America, and I can truly say I have never met a more “human” dog. I have never been so affected by the loss of an animal, but am so grateful to have had him in my life. Rest in peace my big, beautiful guy (you poof).
Needless to say, a bond was formed that would never break. Atticus became my best mate in my new home country and I will be eternally grateful that such a perfect spirit and truly wonderful soul let me be his mate. Atticus helped Jourdan and me get through the loss of Francie, though the loss of his big sister must have hurt him deeply.
He even forgave us for filling our home with 11 foster dogs over the ensuing months, which included the “death of a thousand nibbles” he endured as Uncle Atticus to 4 little foster puppies.
I have known many dogs, both in Australia and in America, and I can truly say I have never met a more “human” dog. I have never been so affected by the loss of an animal, but am so grateful to have had him in my life. Rest in peace my big, beautiful guy (you poof).
Atticus, the TMH famlly will miss you!
ReplyDeleteAll the orphans down here have a new angel for sure!
RUN FREE AND WILD WITH YOUR SISTER!
With Many Tears,
Haze
Rainbow Bridge
ReplyDeleteJust this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
got me all teary eyed... and i'm going to post part of your tribute on my fb page - it really needs to be passed along! thank you for sharing atticus and your life with him!
ReplyDeleteSympathy sent your way from the Reed's. I know he is a happy friend to all today!
ReplyDeleteThey sky is a little brighter with one more Angel looking over us. We will miss you
ReplyDeleteRay