Mogli, our little pound dog terrier mutt has passed away and his passing tugs at my heart. I swore I wasn’t going to do this post. But in the end I just couldn’t let him go without a fond farewell.
He was a dog of quite a few long years– though we’ll never know just how many. He came to us in the most convoluted of ways, because nobody else wanted him. On his very last “bureaucratically sanctioned” day at a high kill shelter, he got lucky. It’s kind of a miracle. At first glance he wasn’t the kind of dog people fell in love with.
He also wasn’t born a lucky dog. We’ll never know how he ended up in that shelter. But somehow (in the end) a close friend of ours saw him there. She had the ability to look past his snarl and see the fear. She brought him to us. We agreed to take him in “temporarily”. In the end (of course) we made our home his home for the last 5 and a half years of his life.
We’ll never know what happened to him before he found his way here. He had secrets, and he held them close. He was riddled with BBs. Someone had shot BB pellets into him. I know he never really forgot what that was like (who could?). There was a part of him that had trouble trusting. But he was a good boy and a very smart dog. A close friend summed him up best in a condolence email when he said Mogli was “such a likeable, gritty little guy”.
Yes. Grit should have been his middle name, because he wore his grit well and I loved him for it.
I’d like to honor his memory with these two videos. They were shot for this blog soon after he came into our life. He plays a rather large part in the first “picnic” video. I think it shows his spunk very well, but you really have to look out for him in the second “kimchi” video. He’s the gritty little black dog getting underfoot on a really brown floor.
I’m certainly going to miss having him underfoot.
Good-bye, little Mogli. XOGREGandKEN
OMG I love your kimchi video! I can’t believe I’ve only just now discovered you made videos, too.
SO cute! And insightful. xo
You and Ken were probably the best thing that ever happened to Mogli and I’m sure he loved you as much as you did him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
It doesn’t get easier very fast, does it? Thanks for your kind message about George. He was a pretty gritty guy to, though maybe not as likeable; except by me! I’m sensing something new in your future soon. I hope you can find it in your heart to adopt another one that needs you soon! Loved those videos, too!
Oh Greg, I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to Mogli. This was a lovely tribute. As someone who lost a fur baby, I can tell you that only time will make it easier on you. Our little mutt has been gone for almost 3 years and we still miss and think about him everyday. You’ll see how those beautiful memories will get you through the pain. Sending you a big hug!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I love that you named him Mogli!
Godspeed, Mogli. Sounds like you were a better person than most people.
He’ll always be a part of you. I’ve had several dogs, but Misty (my first weimeraner) passed over 14 years ago and I still miss her. The difference is that now I miss her fondly where as before I missed her painfully. At some point it will change for you too. Until then, our hearts hurt for you.
Oh, so sorry to hear about poor Mogli. We’ve lost animals before, and will again (alas), but each pet we’ve had has been so special. Actually, we’re the pets — our animals run us! I know how empty this makes you feel. Those videos are precious — thanks for sharing those. And thanks for telling us about your loss, so we could express our sorry.
I am so sorry to hear about this. What a special fellow he was. Your videos are precious. On the other hand, the story about the beebees just sickens me. He was lucky to have spent so many happy years with you, and I am terribly sorry he is gone. I have only seen my husband come really unglued once, and that was when we put our cat Jack down. These little friends just mean the world to us, don’t they? Remember all the laughs.
I’m sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful tribute … warm, loving and funny. I remembered those videos — you’re a master at them.
Oh, no, I’m so terribly sorry. May Mogli’s memory be a blessing to you both. Sending big hugs your way…xoxo!
Oh no i’m sad for it
I know the pain of losing one of your furry friends. So sorry for your loss.
Greg. I’m not surprised because of something you mentioned to me but I could not be more empathetic. I still cry every day over the loss of our Abbie and I just know how you feel right now. But I know this too. Abbie was one lucky dog; she never knew anything but love and devotion and was spoiled in that way and I guess you could say took it all for granted.
Your boy was different and I honestly don’t think there is a greater love between pets and their humans than the ones who have known pain or heartache and who finds their home with someone, finally, who loves them. I’m so grateful you came into his life and gave him that; there is simply nothing in this world that will give back so much when given so little and I’m happy you blessed each other. Take good care Greg.
Bless you for rescuing him.
Rest in Peace, Little Guy.
LL
My heart breaks for you, Greg. I am so glad that Mogli found you and you found him. There are not many special people in the world that are willing and able to give dogs like Mogli the chance they deserve. Thanks for sharing him with all of us.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Greg. What a lucky dog to have had you two in his life — and vice versa, I’m sure.
I am so sorry, my friend — best thoughts to you and Ken. Mogli is definitely running around having fun somewhere very, very close to your heart. I’m preparing to lose my Buddy one of these days — we are never ready, are we? X0 Liz
Underfoot and into our hearts. So sorry for your loss, Greg.
I am sure little Mogli’s 5+years with you and Ken were the best.
You and Ken were probably the best thing that ever happened to Mogli and I’m sure he loved you as much as you did him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m really sorry to hear about your pup, Greg. I know how hard it is to go through tough times with your pet and how important they are in our lives. Remember what you did to save his life, the good times, and what a lucky dog he was once you gave him a home.
our pets are family regardless of how they arrive; i’m so glad that grittly little guy had the love and care of two beautiful people who gave him a real home, who played with him, scratched his belly, wondered about his past journeys and loved him just the same. we should all be so lucky (((hugs)))
So glad Mogli had you guys for the last several years of his life. It’s incomprehensible to me that anyone can be cruel to animals, but it happens a lot. I wish everyone who wants a pet would rescue a “gritty little guy” who needs some love and care. So sorry for your loss.
My heart aches for your loss. If there is a pup heaven — and I do believe there is — I’m sure Mogli, my own sweet Ranger, and all our good dogs who have passed are having a grand time there. RIP good boy.
What a dog! A fighter indeed. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My best, best, BEST dogs in life could have been described as you did yours — “such a likeable, gritty little guy.” That is the pinnacle, in my world. So sorry for your loss.
Writing this post will help you say goodbye. You can always come back and read these words. I remember watching the first video of you and Mogli hiking around your neighborhood for Project Food Blog, way before I met you. It seems that you made him comfortable and happy for at least these several years. XOXO
It is so sad when we have lose our furry family members. Their time with us is . so short, compared to our lifetime. Writing a tribute is very healing, I think. I had to write one when I lost my feline, and my equine. Both times, my heart was so heavy, and to this day I still remember them with a bit of sorrow. Remember the love they give to us, so unconditionally helps to ease the pain. I’m very sorry, and I pray for healing and comfort. Debby
So sorry for this enormous loss. What an incredibly precious and hilarious little guy! His luck changed completely when he ended up in your family, and I know you will miss him beyond words. Loved this tribute. We’ve have been down this road and it is a sad one. Take good care. I’m so glad you wrote this and that you shared the videos.
I’m so sorry…Doggies are such a sweet gift, I can only imagine your sad your heart is… Sending you lots of love, xoxo Louise
I am so sorry for your loss. Mogli was a scrappy little snaggle- toothed genius with a fancy dog’s haircut and a street mutt’s attitude. He sure got lucky when he landed in the Hollywood Hills with you guys. RIP Mogli. I will miss you. Hugs and love. xoxox
I am so very sorry to hear Greg. Our Sydney passed away the day before Valentine’s day and it still hurts. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. I know exactly how difficult this is for you so please accept this warm tight bear hug from you coming across to you. Devaki @ weavethousandlfavors
I meant from me coming across to you, HATE it when that happens!!!!
XOGREG
I’ve broken down only a handful of times in life and two of those times were when we had to put our dogs to sleep. It’s the worst but just goes to show how much they give to us. Thank you for deciding to share Mogli’s story. He was a gritty and sweet lil guy.
Thank you Ethan. I admire your spirit and quietly follow your world wide adventures. It touches my heart that you came to say good bye to my little boy. GREG
I really appreciate that you shared this. It isn’t easy to do when your heart is breaking. And thank you for sharing the videos — I had to watch kimchi twice to see him! He was a cutie, and so lucky to find you and Ken. Hugs from afar…
Dear Greg and Ken, I am shocked, this is so sudden. I am so sad to hear this; I was looking forward to another opportunity to dog-sit. The last time Mogli really decided to trust me and he curled up in my lap while we watched TV. He loved chasing squirrels around the pool and I loved watching him. I’m so, so sorry.
Wendy. It’s been going on for about 6 or 8 weeks. I almost said something to you (the day before he died) when we were discussing butter cream in the street. But you were in your car and butter cream is delightful. I decided to let it go! XOGREG
Oh am so sorry to hear. He was lucky to have you guys—you gave him a wonderful life.
oh Greg honey…my heart aches for you…
i’m sorry
what a cutie he is
don’t be sad…remember what a great life you gave him instead.
xoxo