Bubba Knows Tribute Adopted Maine Boxer Rescue July 28, 1999 Rainbow Bridge Saturday September 16, 2006
With much sadness Bubba Knows went to the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday September 16, 2006 in the arms of Ben, Josh and Judy. Bubba had been "visiting" with the Dill family since November, 2005 in the hills of Western Maine.
Bubba came to me back in the days of Maine Boxer Rescue on July 28, 1999. He was guesstimated to be the age of three. When adopted by me, I was his fourth owner. That figures to be a new own about every year. He never learned to trust anyone of them. It took over 2 years to bring him forward, where he would not hide behind me, afraid of his own shadow.
We had some funny and serious setbacks during those early years together - like when the 55 gallon barrel fire grill chased him down the runner sending him 10 feet into the air throwing him for a loop - the grand opening at a local Petco where he bolted when the metal shelving fell off the wall - and when one of the foster dogs decided after 3 weeks of being in our home that Bubba looked pretty good to eat almost ripping his ears off. After these types of setbacks, it took many months to rebuild his confidence.
I finally got him to a point where he went on to train and test for a therapy dog. I never gave up on him knowing with time he would be able to do this. Later, he tested and pass the AKC CGC. He was then used as the tester dog for both of these tests, being able to stay focused and remain calm while other dogs passed within 4 to 6 feet of him.
As Bubba developed and fine tuned his skills, he was known to many in the Greater Portland community. He sure did pose a good John Wayne while wearing his cowboy hat and scarf and waving back to them. When he went to the nursing home during the holidays, one could hear his neck bells ring and soon Bubba would appear at their doorway looking like a reindeer with his Santa's hat. At the Westbrook Public Library, he was the first "Listening" Dog. For four Summers, children would flocked to the library as they read their books to Bubba. At the end of each Summer, a celebration of Bubba's Birthday took place as the reward for reading during the Summer. Where else could you read and have cake too! His birthday party drew more children and adults then a normal story hour. Bubba also made regular visits to the Iris Network, a home for blind people. His friends there would count the days until he returned. Some could do no outside activities on the day of his visit for fear of missing him. Bubba would sit in their kitchen and take all the neck rubs they offered and smell of home cooking coming for the kitchen.
One of the funniest SCBR home checks we did and still talk about was with Braille, Bubba and Mr. Seamus. Before entering the home, we made sure everyone potty outside before going in. Once in the home, Braille turned off the landing, taking with her the glass side table. No problem, no one was hurt or broken. Ten steps ahead of us, Mr. Seamus is prancing into the dining room licking his chops ready to munch on the old cattle head skeleton sitting in the corner. We caught up with him fast and all was saved. Upon returning to the living room with a ceiling high Christmas tree, Bubba so kindly lifted his leg and took a 1/2 pint pee on their Christmas tree and rug. I could believe all this happening and these were so called trained dogs, lol, not today! Were they really testing possible new owners of what an adopted dog might do, funny or not? Were they expecting perfect dogs? Would I have felt comfortable leaving my dogs to live there? After all that happened in a short time, the family definitely pass the test, then got their perfect dog.
In April of 2005, I decided that I would go to South Carolina with my husband for his work. It was really tough on me, as we could ONLY take one dog. I weigh the options of who needed me the most and who could better handle being alone during the day. Braille came with me and Bubba stay home with my adult children.
In the Fall of 2005, when I returned to my home in Maine for a holiday visit, Bubba was needing to be more around people and other dogs. I couldn't bare the thoughts of having to return him to SCBR and having an old dog up for adoption at the age of nine. It would have been against all gains that I had made a promise to him. Judy, Woody, Ben and Josh volunteered and agreed to let him live his time with them. I stayed in touch with Judy and she would send pictures of him enjoying his new life. Judy said he was an excellent time keeper, knew when the boys were coming off the bus and let her know that it was his bedtime at 9 PM, so the boys had to go too. Josh shared his bedroom with Bubba every night and gave him the bottom bunk with his sleeping bag. Once or twice he fell off the bed and scared everyone.
When I saw him in June of 2006 and spent a few days at Judy's, we both could tell his life was starting to go down hill to speak of. Some limited testing showed signs of erratic heartbeats - arrhythmia - cardiomyopathy. Both of agreed that all the money in the world couldn't buy his health back, make him change or be better. We promised to keep him happy and comfortable, but not let him suffer for any reason out of our own selflessness. I saw him in July and again in August, knowing his days were numbered, having good days then bad ones.
We took him early the morning of Petfest to help setup our demo and picture taking area. Bubba was happy to soak up the sun. Nearly two hours later, when the PA system was being tested, Bubba made a mad dash for Judy's Dad's truck. He flew up onto the front seat waiting for the next trip back home. He sure did bring me a millions memories and smiles.
When Judy called me in South Carolina that Saturday morning, we could hardly speak words to each other. We knew Bubba Knows had made his way to the Rainbow Bridge in peace and dignity. His spirits remains and sits on the shelf in Judy's dining room, where he'll always be ready for the next Petfest meeting, hoping someone will pat him or share their food with him.
Dogs like Bubba Knows, come to us for a need only we can give back to them. Their past does not count. It's what you're going to give them for their future that is most important. Bubba was my backbone for becoming involved with rescue and that was over 7 years ago. How could someone give up on a dog like him? As with many other boxers who have made a life with me, Bubba Knows grabbed my heart and will be amongst the best of them. He could make you laugh and he would make you cry and he'll be forever be in my heart and mind.
The pictures here on this page were the ones you won't see on the Bubba Knows page,as these are the miles and makers of good times. Bubba Knows he was loved by many and that's what counted for him. Like the Starfish story, in 7 short years, we all made that difference for him, including SCBR.
Thanks to all of you, who have crossed his path, shared your love with him and helped to make him who he was. Hold on to your dreams and make them happen! We'll miss you Bubba!
