Clyde was always a study in contradictions. He would lay around like any other dog, but the moment he thought he was unsupervised he would dive head-first into whatever trouble he could find: the trash, the cats’ food, or any leather items that I foolishly left within his reach.
Before his arthritis betrayed him Clyde was a champion of 1, 2, and even 3 mile walks. He could not get enough of the sights and smells of our neighborhood; nor any random chicken wing bones that happened to be left near a construction site that he got to before I could stop him. Anyone who ever met him would agree that he was 100% food-driven and for some reason hopelessly imprinted on me - or on whomever happened to be eating a slice of pizza in his vicinity. Given his propensity for eating whatever, it is a wonder he lived to the ripe old age of 14.
Clyde never enjoyed the stage success of his dog-brother Jonny, but his ambitions were never that lofty; all Clyde wanted was a pizza crust, a warm fire to snooze in front of, and the knowledge that I was somewhere nearby. We all made sure he got just the right amount of those things over the past 7 years. His presence, stubbornness, and willingness to clean up whatever we dropped on the floor when making dinner (except leafy greens) will be very much missed around our home.
Clyde was preceded over the rainbow bridge by his dog brother Jonny and cat brother Meer Meer. He is survived by Tiger - who was a comforting figure at the water dish these last few months; Walter, who was never quite sure what to make of Clyde; and Maggie, who herself was somewhat indifferent to the dearly departed. In lieu of anything give your animal companion(s) a scritch wherever they most enjoy it and in honor of Clyde, just enough of that people food they love.
Goodnight, Clyde. We’ll miss you. You were a Good Dog.
