Entrant's First Name
Rosemary Quinlan

Animal Bio
Fergus 2003-2016 This dog was my hero in so many ways. He loved everyone, had to greet people anywhere we went, and made a special effort to those who were not attentive, by bringing people out of themselves. He also brought me out of myself because then I would talk to people too..He was not overly assertive, but would gently and happily go to each person along the way, and he brought smiles to people every day, and so many times I heard, "What a beautiful dog!" He always made a special effort to greet the one who stood back in a crowd....and then he contracted bone cancer and I had to decide whether to have him put down or give him more time on this earth. My vet knew what a special relationship I had with Fergus, and what a happy dog he was, and he said he would give him another chance if he was me, and so I did..Fergus had his front leg removed, and he walked with a limp and his head would bounce up and down, and he tired easily, but was still as friendly and cheery , and had to bounce along to meet everyone, but he made that effort, even though it was painful for him..my grandson loved Fergus, and Fergus was gentle and loving with him. He would meet us at the door and give my grandson a 'hug' with his head, as my grandson described it..Fergus slept on my bed because he was such a sweet boy who wanted to be with me as much as I wanted him near. As his weight on 3 legs started to affect his heart, he would breathe more heavily and rest more often. For one week he not only slept on my bed but lay on top of me, seemed to have a need to be close. One day we drove across on the ferry to Vancouver Island, where Fergus had lived most of his life. We were visiting my ex partner (and best friend) in life who was in the hospital with terminal cancer. I was allowed to bring in the dog who he loved and they had a wonderful visit, and I put Fergus back in the car then visited my friend a bit longer. When I returned to the car, I knew the minute I looked at him that he was not just sleeping.. We drove to Gabriola island, where Fergus had spent so much time visiting my ex partner, and he was buried in his back yard, where he could hear the ocean and see the eagles fly overhead. My ex passed away a week later, and he promised to look after Fergus for me. The night my friend passed, I had a dream about Fergus and he was running down a path to the ocean with all his legs intact, and a bird was trying to get out a window, so I opened it in my dream and the bird flew out, and I woke up calling Fergus' name out loud, tears on my cheeks..
I think Fergus would be a good poster dog for all those pets that have changed our lives, that we have loved and lost, for now anyway...