We buried Enu two week ago this coming Friday.
Enu enjoyed seeing old friends on Thursday. His rescuer, Becca, and his favorite canine friend, Jack, came by to spend time with him. Later that evening, Becca’s husband Rob came by to give him hugs. Enu’s little tail got a workout that day.
His next and last day could not have been choreographed better. Enu ate his morning egg - his favorite food. When he went outside to do his morning business, I moved his bed to his favorite place on the deck, where he settled for the day.
It was sunny but cool - chilly, in fact, as the overnight temperature had dropped to 32 degrees. There was a thin film of ice on his water bowl and frost on the picnic table. It was Enu’s favorite weather.
Good neighbor Tom dropped by with a special treat - a pound of roast beef.
For most of the day, Tom, Sheila, I, and our two cats, Gracie and Tiger, hung out with Enu - saying our good-byes and stroking him.
We have been blessed to be able to share our lives and homes with many fine and loyal pets. But there was something extra special about Enu. Enu came with his name, Japanese for "dog." He was fully grown 8-year old, and at 120 lb. I do mean fully grown. On his very first night with us, tiny Gracie explained to Enu that she was the boss and Enu was fine with that. Within days the giant immigrant was a full member of our household. Our six years with him were much too short.
Enu had been well trained. He understood a number of words - sit, shake, stay, speak, No, walk, and eggs. He walked without a lease, never crossing the street until we gave him permission. He would not take food from strangers. Children ate their hot dogs and ice cream a foot from his face without fear of losing them.
Enu loved everyone, except squirrels.
We miss him.