Brutus, oh Brutus.

Well, if you haven't heard yet, we had to say goodbye to our bestest of friends on Friday, January 7th.  What do you say about a 17 year old dog that was larger than life, commanded the attention of ALL furry creatures, and won over the hearts of ALL humans he met?  To say he was loyal, kind, funny, adventurous, noble ... is an understatement.   He was always there, in the background (and foreground) of our lives through every adventure, quiet snuggly night at home, major event, or everyday menial task.  Other dogs (literally every dog that walked through our doors) loved and feared him.  He could make a rottweiler submit and roll over, belly up with a simple look from 15 yards away.   He could make Peter turn to a pile of mush and rub his ears and belly at anytime he commanded.  But he never "commanded," he was just so deserving. 

Pete brought Brutus home to his new home on the Ranch on the Boulder where he lived with the Titeca's when he was 18 years old!  The Mini-Nickel advertised for a free Welsh Springer /Brittany Spaniel to a good home.  The rest was history.   Peter and Brutus started out on their new Montana adventures together.  Working and frolicking the days away on a beautiful ranch, traveling the state in search of fish (and rocks in Brutus' case), chasing girls (both of them), and having every adventure you can imagine a young boy and dog having in their youth.  He was the perfect side-kick.

Brutus miraculously grew older in years, but not in spirit or body ... Five years ago we assumed Brutus would be leaving us "soon" and we got Gaucho.   Brutus wasn't slowing down.  So then came Oliver and we were a house of three dogs.  He trained them well and we are not really sure what will become of our little pack of dogs without their leader. 

The last 6 months the Old Man has been pretty blind and deaf, but in good spirits, still going on walks and hikes and adventures.  Still commanding attention and maintaining his role as the Head of the House, the protector of Matine, and Master Beggar.   He was happy, healthy, and relatively lucid until I came home on Thursday to see he had what appeared to be a stroke or neurological change of some kind.  He couldn't walk straight or far for that matter and was pretty nervous and confused.  After just a few short hours of seeing the Noblest Dog on the Planet like this, we knew that time finally caught up to him.   17 years ... testicular Cancer, snake bites (2), being kidnapped, days of exploring the wilderness, kicked by horses, run over by cars, shot by celebrities, watching the birth of babies, new puppies, and every night on a warm bed with his dad...  It was as good life. 

Losing a dog that has been with Peter for literally HALF of his life .... sadness doesn't begin to describe it, but laughter doesn't either.  Thanks Brutus for all you gave ... so effortlessly and selflessly.   Screw Driver, you were the BEST of friends anyone could have hoped for.   Rest in Peace little Buddy.

Brutie was laid to rest up in the hills at Joellyn's house - probably  his favorite place on Earth.  It was really nice.  You will always be missed.