Yesterday I lost a friend. I found Beider (pronounced Bye-dur) when I went out to feed him Saturday morning and one of my first tasks of the day was burying a very shy dog that deserved much more than he ever had. Beider came into my life a little over three years ago when I first met DKW - who is now my wife. He was a stray, and they really kind of adopted each other. Prior to her claiming him, it seemed evident from scars and his very shy/skittish demeanor that he had been abused as a pup. She would leave him food and water and it was a great triump when after a few months he allowed her to pet him. (I know because it took 3 to 4 months of my feeding him and speaking to him every day before he appproached and allowed me to.She and I were the only people he allowed to.) One of the things I did when DKW and I got engaged was to build a pen (about 30'X30") on the side of my house for him. He was still painfully shy and never, ever attempted to leave the pen once he was there. I think thats because he had a house there, was fed there, and felt safe there. I'm glad he didn't want to leave the enclosure since I live near a heavily traveled state highway. He was such a sweet dog I can't help having a couple of regrets. One being that I wish I had spent more time with him (I did try to give him at least 10 uninterrupted minutes every morning) and the other that he didn't have a little boy to call his own. :-) I think he would have been a great companion for a boy if given the opportunity.I know it will take a little while for me to be used to his being gone - I actually started to go out and fee him this morning. I'm gonna miss you Beider. May you rest in peace buddy!
sniffle, you were so sweet to him and patient, and kind, and loving, and were his bestest friend, ever. just another reason why i love you, debra
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