Buddy (formerly Patchy)

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Catherine

Hi all.

This was a letter that Catherine submitted to the Ottawa Citizen. I think there’s a video attached to it too, of which she is somewhat embarrassed. She was, as you will read, thanking the foster families for taking care of some of my buddies while you were working hard to find fur-ever homes for them. Because I don’t, and will ever, climb on furniture, the photographer had to take a picture of my canine house-mate, Kyra, although he really wanted me in the shot, not the black brat. She’s only a year younger than me, by the way, and word has it that she showed up on the property one day, and just never left. She’s got health issues that I don’t have, and being the cool dude that I am, she’s not afraid of me, and knows I’ll not allow her to be in any danger. On the plus side, we do play together, tugging on sticks and such and I’m careful to make sure that she doesn’t get hurt - she’s got real bad hips evidently. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I’m helping Catherine in her efforts to make sure that all the great people who form part of Animatch (and other saviours of my persuasion) are given the credit they so richly deserve, including those phenomenal people who take us in as their foster fur-babies.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Letter+Unsung+heroes/4282348/story.html

Members Comments

- Carrie
- posted on November 07, 2010
HI Catherine & Buddy,
Wow, it’s hard to believe that it has been that long since Buddy left the centre. I love that he likes to correspond as we love hearing from him. We have certain regulars that check in and we always look forward to hearing about their latest escapades.
- Barbara
- posted on November 09, 2010
“PATCHY MY BOY” as I used to call you——————-You look GORGEOUS!!!! We shared some great times together & I shall never forget you. I wanted to bring you home with me but I already have 3 doggies. Enjoy the rest of your life in your FOREVER HOME! You deserve the best Buddy.
- Diane Frascarelli
- posted on November 21, 2010
What a face ! Gorgeous as usual.
Thank you so much for keeping in touch with us Buddy & Catherine, we love hearing from you.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
;O)
- Catherine
- posted on December 03, 2010
This one is from me, Catherine, and very wordy (sorry). People are always telling me how lucky Buddy (aka Patchy) was to get us. This, as most of you will truly understand, is simply not the case. I am the lucky one and not one day goes by where I am not reminded of this. As much as he’s a ‘been-there-done-that type of dog, he constantly shows a shy side where he will shy away from aggressive dogs and actually shows a bit of fear and backs away. (He’s a lover, not a fighter!) He is one of those dogs who is not threatening in the least, but is not outwardly affectionate to people, as in licking their faces, leaning on them, etc. That said, he runs up to the people he knows now, and has actually ‘kissed’ those dog owners who he considers part of our pack. That is a great accomplishment, as I’m the only one he used to do that with. He has blossomed and even has finally gotten the courage and self-assurance to go more than fifteen feet away from me in the dog park, knowing that I’m still there and to be relied upon. I don’t stand and wait for him, so he has had to learn to make sure he knows where I am at all times. This took a bit of me back-tracking a couple of times, but it’s amazing how fast he learned. I don’t need to do that anymore. Further, he no longer whines in the car when I run into the store for 30 nanoseconds to run an errand. He has learned that I always come back and, better, he gets a treat out of not having whined and worried. His calm demeanor has been a saving grace with Kyra, his canine housemate, who, even though is only six months younger, suffers from hip dysplasia, arthritis in both hips, and proprioception in her back. If Buddy was any other type of personality, his, Kyra, and our lives would be very difficult indeed. He’s done nothing but make our lives better - Kyra will actually not get cowered when he does the low growl over them both tugging on a stick at the same time, and since she does that, he stops the low growl and allows her to play, even though he’s a whole lot stronger. Life is good!
- Debbie
- posted on February 21, 2011
I am confused by the dates and some content (i.e. Merry Christmas) of the comments on this Fan Mail posted Feb. 20, 2011…oh, well!... I watched the video, and am in full agreement. Kudos to all of the foster families that step up and help out the various rescues. The idea of fostering is very interesting, but I do not think that I could do it, because I think that I would get too emotionally attached / involved. It takes a certain type of special person. So, a great big thank you to all of those who undertake this very special task! P.S. Buddy looks great, and so wise!
- Catherine
- posted on February 21, 2011
Actually, Debbie, I’m somewhat confused as well. It’s probably an error on my part. When I submit a new picture and post about (and/or from) Buddy, I’m never sure where they’re going to end up on the site! I’m not very computer savvy!

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