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Bruno decided this morning that it was his time to go and join Susie across the bridge and we let him go very peacefully.
Noel adopted Bruno (then Buddy) in 2021. Unlike Susie, Bruno luckily had had a life overall up to the sad point in which his owner died and there was quite a period of upheaval in his life with different people, followed by a few months in the Mayo Society For Prevention of Cruelty to Animals MSPCA LTD shelter. Everyone there was very kind to him and loved him but Bruno, used to being a one person dog and not being alone, found it very tough.
When he first came home with my Dad he was unsettled and took a while to realise that he was safe and secure. Bruno could be snappy and where many people might have given up on him, he and my Dad continued to enjoy their new found friendship and Bruno was just what he hoped for…a doggie companion who would like to come places in the car and take part in things. Bruno took part in things to such an extent that a friend affectionally called him “Sargeant Major”.
In no time at all Bruno began to relax. Where the rest of us were always slightly wary of getting on the wrong side of those sharp teeth, he and Noel had a lovely trusting bond and he was like a little shadow trotting along in his wake. Over here, he liked to see what dogs were visiting and had a few favourites, especially Diesel the Labrador who he adored. At home he and Susie had a nice understanding and spent time in each other’s company. Rosie and he, on the other hand, had a typical sibling rivalry and what one had, the other had to! Rosie rarely left his side when they were out and about though and the two were a funny little pair.
In the last few months, it was clear that Bruno’s health was failing and it was clear that he was probably far older than any of us realised. Stephen and my Dad cared for him with the greatest love. When he went from a dog who needed a slow feeder to eat sensibly to barely eating at all, they ensured that his favourite foods were always on hand and put so much work in making sure he had his tablets. Bruno let himself be more vulnerable and allowed us to carry him around to save his energy when he was tired and lift him in and out of the car for his beloved outings.
One of my favourite memories of Bruno was recently at the Blessing of the Pets in the friary. He and Lily accompanied me and Bruno delighted in all of the admiring pats he received. So many people, men in particular, made a beeline for him and told me about the “Bruno” (nearly always a senior Jack Russell) that they had had in their lives.
There is something very special about Jack Russells. They are so fiercely determined and just like Susie, Bruno didn’t let his failing health get him down or stop him doing all he wanted to. Even yesterday evening when my Dad returned from a trip, Bruno was up and alert to meet him at the door despite not having had a good day.
Bruno and Susie are buried side by side and Bruno will of course be a part of our little fundraiser now. Perhaps with the Christmas hamper for the shelter dogs, the food will be in his name as in the full of his health, he LOVED food.
Bruno was a perfect example of how you should never give up on a rescue dog. The best and most loyal friends are waiting once the stress and upheaval is past. You just have to give them time.
Lucie (Noel’s daughter) (2023)
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