Gold Ribbon Rescue Adoptables

----- Original Message -----

From: Margo Biba

Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 9:52 PM

Subject: #03-109 Buster Biba, sad news

On 11/21/05, we put our old friend to sleep -- Buster Biba was over 14 years old. Failing kidneys, severe hip dysplasia & probable cancer ended his happy old age, but until his last couple of days, Buster was a vibrant member of our family.

Buster came to Gold Ribbon Rescue in October, 2003. He had always been an outdoor dog, first in a kennel run and then later on a tie-out, where his previous owners saw that he was miserable. When he moved into our home at age 12, Buster was thrilled and amazed. He especially adored living with 6 other Goldens after a lifetime of isolation. His best pal was Tag, who died in March at age 15 (see photo).

Buster was a big old guy, 80# of sweetness. You'll all remember Buster's spectacularly huge lump, imbedded in shoulder muscle; not a candidate for removal. It grew to the size of a halved soccer ball, and he regularly snagged it on the doorway as he barreled out the back...we were forever urging him to reverse and shoot the door approach more carefully.

Foster puppies kept Buster young at heart. Buster took it upon himself to play "uncle," patiently teaching Natalie, Cheerio, Daisy, Boodles & finally our Caroline, to play & wrestle & act silly. Buster was gentle with the little girls, and the girls in turn realized that he was unsteady on his hips. They carefully handicapped themselves so that Buster wouldn't fall. As the girls grew bigger, the wrestling got wilder...slam, growl, pretend-monster-faces. Toward the end, we gauged Buster's health by the frequency of play with Caroline; and we truly believe that she significantly extended his life. Buster Victorious!

Buster is a grand old fellow. He spent 12 years as an outdoor dog who slept in the garage. When he first arrived and we invited him into the house he was thrilled. When I checked him the next morning -- no accidents -- so I was thrilled! Since day one, he's been a wonderful indoor guy and he loves it. He sleeps through the night on a soft pad next to our bed.

After living all that time alone, isolated and sleeping in a garage, Buster is now staying with us and our 6 Goldens. In a short time, Buster has acquired the doggie social skills needed to hang out with this group of Goldens. He naps near them, hangs out with all of them and sleeps all night loose in the bedroom along with everyone else. He has done extremely well.

Buster enjoys going for nightly walks. His energy level is excellent for his age. He's great with kids.

Buster really, really wants to play with our 6 other (old) Goldens. So far, only Miss Madeleine, age 10 will wrestle. I watched from the window one November afternoon, as Buster & Madeleine play bowed & grabbed each other by the scruff of the neck. They chased & pretended to be monsters & acted like young pups. It reminded me of when Madeleine was young, wrestling with her older brother Bear, who died in 1999…what a sweet memory. After a couple of minutes, the Oldsters collected themselves, regained composure, and sedately stepped inside for bites of blueberry coffee cake.

Buster is terrified of car rides. We suspect that he only rode to the vet clinic for medical treatment & boarding. We feel so sorry for him as he lies in the back of the Explorer, shivering. Every few days, we take Buster along while we run errands. Usually Madeleine or Ace or a few of the other Goldens come along to lend moral support. Buster has made progress in the past weeks…at first, we lifted him into the car but now he climbs in & out on his own, earning cheers of encouragement. The first time I took Buster on a ride, I bought him a hamburger & fries, as positive reinforcement…but Buster was too afraid to eat. This week, Buster rode along to the grocery store and – yippee! – He ate a donut as we drove home! Buster’s adoptive family should make a point of taking him for lots of rides; to the post office, the store, to school, around the neighborhood, or for ice cream.

Buster is an enthusiastic eater. Many of you might not be excited about this, but I am thrilled, because our 15 year old Golden, Brittany has become quite finicky, and mealtimes are frustrating. No problem with Buster! Buster watches with rapt attention while I fill all 7 bowls with dry food & canned food & vegetables & medications. He annoys Chili age 8, who wrinkles her nose in a horrible-monster-scary-face. Buster moves from my left to my right, placating Chili. He grins and twirls and races me to his special eating spot, thrilled to eat another exciting meal! Buster manages to finish his bowl at about the time I reach Chili with hers. Buster respectfully avoids Chili, while gazing hopefully at me. This usually works, and Buster gets an extra bite for being so optimistic.

Buster will make someone a spectacular old pal. Buster is the kind of guy who lays close by, preferably touching your foot; a loyal, handsome friend. He is as nice as they come.