It was a sad day, yesterday, girls.
I had stopped by Cujo's house on 77th Street, when his owners appeared to inform me of the sad news that he had passes away in May. I was devastated. My beloved Cujo, who was so dear, who his owners dubbed The Mayor Of 77th Street, which he truly was, perching on his terrace, the master of all he surveyed.
According to what they said, Cujo had been slowly failing, had some kind of mass inside his body, and was winding down. They had hoped he would hold on until his 14th birthday, and he did. That is a good age for a dog of his size. The impression I got was that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by all those who loved him. As well as those who did outside the home, as me and others have been stopping by to express condolences and how much Cujo meant to them.
My favorite Cujo memory goes years back. I called for him, and he came to me out of the yard, and up to the gate. I sat down beside him, and he posed, so I could pet him, and make loving remarks. A woman who lived next door--and may not now--came out and reprimanded me for doing this. "What are you doing with that dog?" she said Cujo gently broke away from me for a second, turned to face the woman, and furiously barked at her, till she went in the house. Then he returned to me. That's when I realized Cujo was protecting me.
Cujo was my hero. He was the first animal friend I made when we first moved to Bay Ridge, in 2012. As David said, he will be waiting for me, with Chloe, Baby Mouse, and others, and I believe that. But for as long as I pass his house, I will look up to that terrace, and, in my mind, see Cujo.
Rest in peace, dear Cujo. You were loved by all and sundry.
Your life touched many. Though missed, I wish you no pain or suffering.
Love you always, Cujo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the same day I learned about Cujo, there were a couple stories of horrific animal abuse in the news. I won’t share them with you .
ReplyDeleteIt’s all too much .
Victoria, Well, we had one in NYC, about a little dog thrown down a garbage shoot in a NYCHA building on the Lower East Side. It saddened me, especially in light of Cujo, who had the best care, and the most peaceful death.
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