We first met Bronco when he was just five weeks old, when we were told he was most definitely Not for Sale, because his breeder had him picked as a show prospect. It took a few weeks of pleading, pressure, threats, and promises to convince the breeder to let him come and live with us. Bronco graciously agreed to give up the proposed glamorous life and blue ribbons of a show career for us.
There is a lot I could say about Bronco, thousands of words, and it still wouldn’t be enough. So I’ll try for a few high spots:
- Bronco loved everybody, even the mailman, even cats, even wild turkeys
- He was a devoted big brother and best friend to Bonnie
- He loved the beach at Carmel, California, where he would march right up to anyone and say, “Hi, I’m Bronco, what’s your name, want to play?”
- Bronco was well-traveled (for a Sheltie) and had Excellent Hotel Manners
- He radiated some kind of magic that made complete strangers cross busy streets just to pat him on the head
- He once met a cowboy on the street who was pleased to meet a “Bronco” in town
- Instead of a spoonful of sugar, he enjoyed taking his medicine with canned, pressurized Cheez Product
- As much as he hated to be cranky, he could be protective of his loved ones when he saw the need
- He didn’t enjoy being bathed, but he loved being clean
- He was the mostly purely good and gentle creature we ever knew
with Rick
with Uncle FlaVio
with Bonnie
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Sarah M 08.26.08 at 5:25 pm
So very sorry for your loss. Nearly every day you make me laugh so hard my family looks at me strangely while I am sitting at my computer, and I never comment. Now I feel like I must. There is nothing like the loss of a canine friend to elicit a great deal of empathy from me.
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dana 08.26.08 at 5:30 pm
I love you. Joe is standing here crying and I know that the wonderful tribute to Bronco took its toll on you, but Bronco was worth it.
I’ve been checking my email and had just explained the situation to Joe, while we were sitting outside and watching Lucky falter and stumble when he tried to lift his leg.
I then came in here to check your blog…………..I knew it. I just KNEW it.
Please say it went down peacefully for the baby boy.
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Lola 08.26.08 at 5:31 pm
Oh Kathi!! I am so sorry to hear about Bronco. I don’t know what to say, but I am thinking about you and Rick at this time. and my heart aches for you!
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Ellie 08.26.08 at 6:09 pm
Beautiful photos. Sorry about your boy.
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abby 08.26.08 at 6:22 pm
I’m so sorry, Kathi. My heart breaks for you and Rick and everybody who loved Bronco. He was a beautiful boy.
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Brie 08.26.08 at 6:28 pm
Kathi, I am sending lots of condolences. Pets are part of the family and Bronco was a beauty. What a nice post to celebrate his life xo
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Diana 08.26.08 at 6:58 pm
Kathi, I am so very sorry! I thought everything would be OK and then Lola came over to give me the news. I can’t imagine losing my dear dog and the heart ache you must feel. Please know that I love you and I’m thinking of you!
What a beautiful dog and a great tribute.
(I am feeling bad about my earlier comments & the way I was joking around about him faking sick. I hope you took it as such. I never expected this to be the end for him:(
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Kim Wheedleton 08.26.08 at 7:10 pm
Oh, Kathi. I’m so sorry. What a lovely tribute…
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Caroline 08.26.08 at 8:16 pm
Oh sweetie! I am so sorry for your loss. Bronco sounded like the most wonderful companion! His physical doggie self may not be with you…but rest assured…his spirit still marches along side of you. Blessings and hugs to you!
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Leslie 08.26.08 at 8:22 pm
I am so sorry so sorry so sorry. The saying about god giving you your best friend and then not letting him live as long as you is so true. I am so fucking sorry. Hang in there. I am thinking about you.
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Busty LaRue 08.26.08 at 9:27 pm
Oh Kathi! I am so so sorry! This news makes me so sad, and my heart is aching for you and Rick. The tribute to Bronco was so beautiful.
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Jen Duncan 08.26.08 at 9:49 pm
OH Kathi. I’m so sorry. That happened really fast, which I suppose is a good thing. It’s kind of a wonder that we go out and get pets, knowing full well where we will end up–sad and broken hearted. Hugs to you and Rick. And Bonnie.
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foolery 08.26.08 at 10:11 pm
Truly very sad and crying over the sadness I know you feel tonight. Been there so many, many times myself. When those psychologists created the Hierarchy of Needs, they didn’t include pets, which is why I don’t include psychologists on my own personal Hierarchy of Needs.
Know that I’m grieving for you, and will hug a cat for you tonight, because I have no dogs or chickens.
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Judy 08.27.08 at 2:47 am
Kathi (and all the rest of Bronco’s family) - such a lovely boy - you will miss him - it’s only time which will allow you to smile at all the memories of his time in your family. Those are lovely photos - I love the one where Bronco and Uncle Fla Vio are sharing grins. Very sorry for your loss. x Judy
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Toi 08.27.08 at 6:05 am
I’m so sorry Kathi. I don’t have words.
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Meltrier 08.27.08 at 7:05 am
So painful and unfair. Pets have such heart and spirit, and they bring such unconditional love into our lives. My thoughts are with you today.
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tftcarrie 08.27.08 at 7:06 am
I shed some tears for you this morning as someone who knows what it feels like to lose a beloved animal. Thanks for the tribute.
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laura 08.27.08 at 8:14 am
I come from a family of big time animal lovers (my daughter is Vet Tech Girl on my blog) and boy do I feel for you! I remember every animal we’ve ever owned and each was so unique and all were loved. I happened to be at my sister’s house the weekend her sheltie passed away (poor old guy was about 16, arthritic, and blind) and what a horrible day that was. Nothing I can say will make you feel any better but my heart does go out to you.
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dana 08.27.08 at 8:59 am
KATHI: GO TO MY BLOG WITH THE UTMOST SPEED PLEASE.
ASAP
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goteeman 08.27.08 at 10:23 am
I am so very sorry for your loss….
what a beautiful tribute.. .
J/
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amelia bedelia 08.27.08 at 10:52 am
i am so sorry you lost bronco. he looks like a really sweet dog.
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