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Buster

1997 – 2010

Me and My Dog Buster

That wonderful experience I have had with my dog prompted me to write this article with an underline message for all dog lovers. Never adopt a dog unless you are prepared to commit yourself one hundred percent looking after the dog, especially training and welfare of the dog. Writing, thinking about my dog and re-living those precious moments give me joy and a sense of satisfaction. I feel that we have done a good deed by helping to give that little soul a second lease of life. If it was not for my daughter’s intervention, my dog Buster would have been dead two and a half years ago.
When I first heard that my daughter was going to bring a 13 years or so old dog to our house, I thought she was joking. My first response, when it was revealed that she was serious, was my flat refusal. My horrendous experience with a rabid dog when I was about 6 years old and the fact that I had no experience whatsoever in looking after a mature dog, let alone a puppy, coupled with the fear of facing hefty bills that we may struggle to pay, would have contributed to my initial reaction.
Later when I learnt the reasoning behind the move, I decided to give it a try amidst many other obstacles. I was very apprehensive about the whole affair, but the utter determination of my daughter’s desire to give a new lease of life to an innocent and timid looking dog overpowered my reluctance in supporting the move.

On a Sunday afternoon in February 2008, a very agitated and reckless old dog by the name of Buster was brought in by my daughter. On that evening I found I was in uncharted waters and was clueless as to what and what not to expect and how to handle this unexpected visitor to our house. Originally my initial fear of dogs kept me at an arm’s length. At that point in time however little did I realize that I was going to get so close to this wonderful soul.

A dog who has been discarded by everybody including the people who took him for adoption as a puppy had finally found a place which he can call his home I guess. So unfortunate was he that not only rejected by many but also been abused when he was a puppy. He used to be very depressed, not interested in anything and did not seem to enjoy his food either. However he showed a gradual but remarkable come back and within two weeks or so, he started eating well. A Bull Mastiff weighing about 40 kg started looking for food all the time. If a door opens to the patio/back yard, he thinks someone is bringing food for him!

He is a devil when he gets on his daily walk. Normally he walks me as he has never been trained properly! At the very beginning it was very tough walking him, as he suddenly changes direction in a zigzag path or taking an about turn. How many times I was thrown out of balance due to his pulling power and sudden change of pace and direction. As I was getting closed to him day by day, gradually it became a pleasure for me to tend to him. As he got older and weaker he seemed to have lost his pace but still all out to go for his walk.

During the last few months it was real heart break to see him struggle to stand up with his back legs being not so steady. Often I had to lift him up for him to stagger a bit before starts walking. Last few weeks of his life had been a nightmare for me and my family. He would lie down on his belly not being able to stand up. His gradual loss of appetite was hard for us to take. He could not even open his mouth for his favourite crispy “Sakata” biscuits or a piece of cheese. Then I knew that the end is near. I am so happy and relieved that we have done what we could to make the last 2 years and 3 months of his life happier, comfortable and more meaningful.

Feeding time around 4.30 to 5.00pm is the most difficult time that I feel to pass by. If not served by 4.45pm for some reason, he would come near the study room where I used to be working and have a peep through the grilled door and start whining to catch my attention. At times I used to pretend that I did not see him. Then he would keep staring at me as if asking “where is my dinner – why is it late today?”

Since his demise few weeks ago, my usual morning walk has now become a nightmare. Three kilo meter stretch is full of land marks that I remember. Each little bush, letter box, street lamp post etc along the route has great significance and carry vivid memories. Buster used to either have a sniff at, paused for a while or to have his job done at these places. Now when I do my shopping I try to avoid isle 12 of the supermarket where dog food are stored. Life has become boring without Buster. I decided to hold on to two souvenirs left behind, his lead and the neck strap with his ID tag.

From my perspective the message is loud and clear. Never own a dog or any pet for that matter if you are not prepared to do your duties for the entire life span of the animal.

Different aspect of the experience with my dog Buster

Looking for dog training books was definitely not on my agenda. As I reflect on the recent episode involving my lovely dog, I find hard to suppress my emotions. I always want to talk to someone who new my dog or have had circumstances similar to mine involving pets and remind ourselves the funny little things my dog Buster used to do. That is one side of the coin. Flip it. Other side is lined up with a series of questions. Unresolved jigsaw puzzles with so many missing pieces. I have been asking God for the reason behind our meeting which is highly unusual. Why did he come to me at the age of 13 years? I only hope I will have an answer some day.

Two and a half years ago I was not interested in reading dog training books. What for? I did not have a dog in my house nor did I have any plans to get one either. However everything suddenly changed. Whether it is for better or worse, only time would tell I thought then. It was my own daughter who was instrumental in bringing this dog along as she could not bear to see the dog being put down by the previous owner who happened to be a friend of hers.

From then on there was a dramatic change in my life. I was beginning to understand how much a pet can impact on one's daily routine, life and even the way of thinking. For me, the dog has been my best stress-reliever!! I started learning about dogs, their behaviour patterns, more importantly I was looking for dog training books that I could get my hands on.

Initially I was somewhat scared to get near a 13 year old 40kg Bull Mastiff, let alone trying to train him. Vivid memories of my horrendous experience with a rabid dog when I was about 6 years old kept flashing in my mind every now and then. However as time went by I was able to overcome those fears pretty easily as my dog Buster was found to be so innocent and timid that he had no idea of attacking someone. I recollect how he backtracked with his tail between his hind legs whenever he was confronted even by a tiny little dog such as Pomeranian during his daily walk! I was the proud owner of a handsome dog with sparkling eyes and thick black nose who always gets complements with a gentle pat on the back from many who cross our path during the walk.

Last phase of his life that spanned 2 years and 3 months or so with us surely has been the best part of his life I believe. I have every reason to believe so as I noticed very closely how he transformed himself from day one under our care. In certain areas he got his act together, so swiftly and so unequivocally, that not even the most churlish observer can quibble with the scale of his improvements.

He was looking so depressed and unhappy at the beginning. It was his abstinence from food that really stood out. Not even half of the served meal is being consumed and the leftover food would attract birds from the surrounding area. Indirectly my dog Buster was instrumental in bringing in these beautiful creatures to our backyard looking for food. Good thing about this is that the birds still keep coming and have now got used to our company, but may be wondering what happened to their friend-big brother- and his rice bowl from which they used to steal few grains of food. I now used to feed these birds while thanking my dog for that wonderful opportunity although he is no more.

In about 2-3 weeks my dog showed a remarkable come back from his doldrums and with the help of some tips from dog training books, I was able to put him on the right path to a speedy recovery. He would now look for his share of bread or biscuits in the morning no sooner we opened the blinds facing the patio. If we happen to over-sleep on an off day he would take the trouble to walk around the house and start whining near the window of our master bed room. He somehow knows where we sleep! By 4.30pm he is eagerly waiting for his full meal which is normally served around 5pm. Never own a dog if you are going to lose interest in him halfway through the life span!

gamini.wijeratne@gmail.com