Norm lost his battle with cancer yesterday. It was just a short month after his very successful surgery. Everyone thought we'd have three-six months more with the big guy but that wasn't in the plan for him.
We was a great dog and smart! One of the tricks I taught him was math. He could add, subtract, and multiply. I suppose he could divide, but I didn't try that out. I remember when Monica was in first grade, I brought him to her classroom and showed the kids how he could add. When I asked him what 1 plus 1 is he would bark twice. They loved it! There's always a smart cookie in class and this was no exception. One of the kids wanted to make up their own problem to make sure it wasn't a trick. I think they gave him something like, how much is a bizillion time a hundred billion. I told them to give him a problem that he could finish in the time we had in class, so he got something more reasonable like 3 + 2. Again, he performed. To this day, I wonder if some of the kids in that class think he really knew math!
We have a lot of great memories of Norm. He was the dog that everyone loved. He wasn't always like that, however. He was a piece of work in his early years. I remember many times, when Norm was such a pain that it almost required marriage counseling for my husband and me. Who doesn't at least consider the Labrador when choosing a dog for the family, right? And better yet, someone at work had a dog who just delivered a litter of purebred pups. And best of all, they were giving them away since it wasn't a planned litter and the bitch (it seems almost awkward to use this word as it was intended ha..ha) hadn't had her hips certified. We'll take him.
So cute at 8 weeks old. Not so cute when they think they run the family. Norm was actually a bit aggressive at first. Clean my ears, yeah right. Clip my nails, no thanks. Take my temperature at the vets, not on my best day. What happened to the adorable little puppy and reputation that all Labs are wonderful pets?
Well, like any relationship, we had some kinks to work out and after some boot camp, live in training, he came back a different dog. He knew who was in charge (most of the time), and became the gentle dog those of you who have met him, know that he is. He was a great entertainer for all and a loyal, loving, and cherished pet.
We'll miss you, Norm!
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2 comments:
I'm sorry Peggy. Norm was a great dog & keeping the good memories alive is what will keep him alive in your hearts. We all have to meet our maker. It's just hard for the loved ones we leave behind. I'm sure he's up there doing math in heaven. Love you all, Hugs.
Dear Sweet Norm always greeted me at the door when I came on Sundays to watch Desperate Housewives. I thought I would still have time to say goodbye to him and rub his big old head. Rest in peace, you big old Sweet Lovable Doogie.
Sandy
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