Puppy Spirit

Gather around all my Dogtopia friends and let me tell you about a dog with the heart of a puppy. His name was Hunter. He was a Chocolate Labrador Retriever that loved to come and stay here at Dogtopia.

From the outside, he may have looked a little weathered. However, looks are deceiving. If you were lucky enough to have met Hunter, then you know that his eyes radiated the spirit of a puppy.

Though he was an older gentleman, Hunter liked to visit his fellow labs in the Gym. He would find out the latest news, like who’s sniffing who. Every ounce of puppy in him wanted to play, and his four legs did the best they could.

Sometimes Hunter would visit his smaller friends in the Toy Box. He would hang out on the futon and watch the youngsters play, keeping an eye out to make sure everyone was behaving. He would even playfully chase after the whippersnappers, venturing back to his puppyhood days.

My friends here at Dogtopia took extra special care of the lovely chocolate lab, sneaking him treats and giving him belly rubs when he stayed up front with them during nap time. Hunter’s tenacity and spirit always left the staff in awe.

Sadly, I must tell you that Hunter has made the journey to Rainbow Bridge. But we dogs know that he has gone to a beautiful place where he is able to run through grassy meadows and bask in the sunshine. He can play all day and eat as many treats as he desires. There, he will watch over his loyal owner and wait patiently for him.

Before making the journey, I was told by the labs in the Gym that Hunter’s devoted owner took him to Maine, one of his favorite places. He went hiking and swimming, and was given all the lobster and steak he could have ever wanted for a week. There’s no doubt that his daddy loved him. And there’s no doubt that he left everlasting footprints on his heart. I know this because he left footprints on the hearts of everyone here at Dogtopia. We will miss him dearly.


Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal who has been especially close to someone dies, that pet goes to the 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 and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
Animals who were 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 from days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one thing: they miss someone very special to them; the person they left behind.
All of the animals 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 break away 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. 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…

Luck of the Irish Dog

While I was hanging out with all my buddies at Dogtopia the other day, I began to realize that a lot of my friends here have Irish names. I found this a bit odd at first because most of my dog friends aren’t of an Irish breed, such as the Irish Setter or Irish Wolfhound. Being an extremely inquisitive canine, I decided to do a little bit of research on my friends with Irish names.

Eamonn, the black lab mix, whose name means “wealthy protector” in Irish, is always guarding his kongs in the playroom. But he always remembers to share.

Cassidy, a kooky American Cocker, whose name means “Curly-headed” and “clever,” used to have locks of curly red hair before her mom, Rebecca, gave her a much needed haircut at Dogtopia.

Finnigan, a Jack Russell Terrier, and his brother, Guinness, a Dachshund mix, definitely have Irish names. Finnigan has so much energy and vigor that he sometimes looks as if he’s dancing to a jig. Guinness, on the other hand, is cool and smooth like the drink, and he even has “frothy” hair to match his name.

I have yet to meet my new friend, Doolin, a white Labradoodle whose name comes from the seaside town of Doolin in County Clare, Ireland. Though he’s not an Irish breed, he supposedly knows how to bark some lovely tunes in Irish Doggish.

I can’t forget to mention one of my bestest buds, Paddy. He’s a Pug and Shepherd mix, and boy does he have Irish soul running through his veins. Just the other day, I heard Paddy howling out some intense Irish poetry written by W.B. Yeats’ dog.

And finally, I can’t forget to mention one of the coolest dogs I’ve met at Dogtopia: Bono, the Vizsla. He was only here for a few hours, receiving a stellar evaluation from one of my employees. But those few hours were magical; he pawed a few autographs and took a few photos. I just hope he comes to visit us again soon!

To all my friends, Irish or not, next time you’re feeling particularly “Irish,” make sure you drop in to Dogtopia for a few pints (of water) and some craic (Irish for “fun”). Slainte!