Our first dog, Casey, passed away at four years old. At the age of two, he had a kidney stone, at three he became diabetic and developed serious pancreatic issues.
Casey was the best friend a little boy could have. He was gentle and loving. He never mis-behaved. He was ashamed of being sick, I still miss him today.
I soon convinced my parents to get another dog under the promise that I would train and care for him as a puppy. I cut out an ad in the newspaper for "miniature schnauzers" that were bred on a farm.
We travelled to the farm to find four puppies left in the litter. A little girl who had already been sold and three boys. Two of them were inseperable, they played together, ate together and slept together. The fourth wore a blue collar, he stood alone, and seemed to have a little more personality. I chose him, he seemed like a great companion.
On the drive home, he peed on my lap. I didn't care - he was the cutest dog I had ever seen. He would grow up with me and be my best bud during the "angsty teen years" of my life.
I trained him to hit the doorstop when he needed to pee. I also taught him a few tricks like "shake a paw" and "roll-over". We had our own version of this - Jimmy would spin in a circle and then roll over.
In the end of the day, Jimmy was the best friend a little boy and a grown man could have. He passed away yesterday evening. He was 12 years old - my family will miss him dearly.
Rest in Peace little buddy!
Mike