Well, I think when you have a dog from a pup he always is your "puppy."  However, Gonzo is nine years old now.  Today, I was traveling through Norway for work when I got the call.  You know, Gonzo has been sick for a few days.....

I remember when I first got him.  I was alone, sad, and living in Cincinnati.  I was pretty much broke back then and I saw an ad for $150.00.  I was in an apartment which had rules on sizes and I knew a Schnauzer would be ok -- I really wanted a Lab.  I did all the diligent stuff making sure he was the perfect breed for me.  Long story short, I made the 45 minute truck to Loveland, Ohio where I met this strange van at the skate inn.  It almost felt like a drug deal you see on cops.  The door swung open and there was about 10 puppies.  Gonzo was from another Mother and was the last one in his litter.  The other dogs were smaller.  Anyway, I picked the only salt and pepper.  He was feisty and full of life. 

I was on a Star Wars kick then and I tried every name in the book, Jedi, Luke, Darth some how I thought of Gizmo, but he wouldn't respond to anything.  Then I thought he kinda looks like a muppet and Gonzo would be a fitting name.  So he was Gonzo. 

I purchased all the best accessories and dog training books.  I still remember taking him out of the crate to sleep with me.  I think he comforted me more than I did him.  I remember I would wake up at night and he would be underneath my chest sleeping.  I was afraid I would scquish him, but he survived. 

I got gonzo around Easter.  I remember because I used to sing a song in the theme of Peter Cotton Tail: Gonzo is a puppy dog, a little bitty puppy dog, happy camper, little bitty puppy dog... He would smile and love on you, but never lick you unless you "gave him permission."  I would spend time everynight petting him and telling him how great he was.  I know this made him a better dog.

As the years went buy he amazed me.  I remember one time I was very sick and he was home taking care of me.   I am not sick that often and the first day I was dead.  The second day I was able to stagger into the computer room when I heard this ripping sound and went to the hall.  There was Gonzo ripping up paper..   well, a 1 dollar bill.  I hollered at him and he turned his head and had this look of "what are you doing home" on his face.  Then he looked away as if "I can't see you so you can't see me."  I was so tickled I couldn't punish him.  Anytime you felt bad he would be there to take care of you.

Today, I had to make a decision.  Gonzo is not a puppy anymore and its time for him to rest.  I will miss my little puppy dog forever.  I love him like a son.