RIP Buffy 1/6/2009 – 25/10/2025
This is a memorial to my dog who recently passed away
My mum got Buffy the staffy at about 3 months old. She was raised with her much older “sister” Babe, and learned a lot from her. Mum took Buffy everywhere she could, and was her best friend. She visited me in Townsville twice, and Buffy came along both times. When I moved to Adelaide and lived with Mum, I got to spend a lot more time with Buffy, and got to know her well. I also got to know Moochy, mum’s cat and Buffy’s friend.
At about 11 years old she had a terrible incident where a dog grabbed her paw from under a corrugated iron fence. The dog shook her leg violently, slicing deep cuts up her front leg. It was awful. After calling out for help, some kind strangers took us both to the vets where she was helped, and thankfully did not lose her leg.
Mum passed away in 2021, and Buffy became my dog. Having her helped me grieve losing mum. I was concerned about Buffy pining for mum, so I did my best to entertain and love her. Thankfully I was able to win Buffy over and she grew to love me and be closer over time.
She did so much for me, giving me a purpose and someone special to do things for, who appreciated it. She got me out walking, even on days where the weather was poor or my motivation was low. She was my early warning system for visitors. She missed me when I was gone, and coming home was always a happy moment with her. She was my car trip companion, my confidant and listener to all my ups and downs, and so much more.
She went mostly deaf when she was about 14 or so, but adapted to signals and loud clapping. Towards the end of her life, she developed liver disease that did not slow her down much, until the very end. She became more fussy about the foods she would eat, and I started feeding her more tasty food, including cat food. I added potato, pumpkin, and baked chicken breast to her diet. She especially loved the chicken breast, right up until her second to last day.
We had a great time that day. She got spoiled with all the tasty food and treats she wanted (within reason), including a pigs ear, which she ate while enjoying the sun. We played games together, she nosed her treat ball around, she chased the laser pointer, and more. I gave her as much love and attention as she could want.
On her last day, she took a turn for the worse and seemed to be in pain. She was panting and weak, and wouldn’t eat anything at all.
She lived a long life, marking over 16 years. She was peacefully put to sleep at home, held by me, and surrounded by others who she loved, and loved her too.
There was a big thunderstorm when you passed away my beautiful puppy. Mandy, Ordessa, Justine, and Amber were all there to say goodbye to you. Your friends like Dave and Happy, Margaret and Patrick and Buzzy, Leah, Max, and others, all felt the loss of you passing. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
When we first met
- I was visiting mum. I remember cuddling up with you when I was sleeping on the floor in the lounge – you’d come and have a cuddle with me.
- Mum had talked about you a lot on the phone – it was nice to finally meet you. My first impressions were that you were a quiet but loving dog. Smart too. You liked to play and be silly, but also had a serious side. I’d say more serious than playful, but I grew to appreciate that’s just who you are.
- You were such a strong muscly and energetic dog, and it was impressive to watch you run after the ball, and funny / scary when you would run straight back at mum and I at full speed, and only swerve at the last second.
- Mum would throw the ball for you with the plastic arm so you would get a good long run.
When you became my dog
- It was a hard time – we were both grieving mum. You didn’t understand what was going on. When you started listening to my instructions more, I knew things had changed and I was starting to get through to you. It felt great – and I needed you to help me through losing mum. You gave me comfort in that time just having you in my life – feeling close to you helped me not miss mum quite as much, and gave me something important to focus on.
- It was like we got to know each other differently, more closely, and while it was challenging, it was also rewarding seeing the changes and improvements between us. I was able to relax more knowing things were improving and you and I were getting closer.
Overcoming challenges
- It was very tough and scary when your leg got hurt. I was terrified that you would die. I was so proud of you, when I put my hand over your wounds and it hurt, you were so gentle and didn’t bite me, even though you went to, from the pain. From that moment on I trusted that you would never hurt me. I was so relieved when you got better, and didn’t lose your leg.
- Things were not easy for us at first (after mum passed away). You were stubborn, and I was too harsh and tough on you. I didn’t understand some of the things you were trying to tell me, like how your teeth hurt when eating hard things. I felt guilty for not understanding sooner, but I was pleased when you got through to me.
- I always wanted to find things that were fun for you, that we could do / play together, and help us bond.
- It was difficult giving you tablets, and it was only recently I realised you would happily eat them when covered in peanut butter. That made things easier on both of us.
- It was hard to get you to come when you were called (and harder since you went deaf), but we have developed a rapport where you now watch me and come when I need you to, reading my hand signals and body language. Like when its time for bed and you are comfortable on your lounge chair, I can signal to you to come, and you do now. Sometimes I have to wake you which I always feel bad doing when you are in a deep sleep.
- When you would nip at Abby, and then when you fought with her repeatedly, one day after you bit Abby I grabbed you by the scruff and yelled at you. I’m so so terribly sorry I reacted so strongly. I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself for that.
- You used to get scared when we would put on a horror or action movie. You were afraid mum would cry out when she gets surprised, and you got so in tune to them, that just the spooky music was enough to make you scared
- As you get older its a little harder now with you having to go to the toilet a few times a night, and now you don’t seem to be as keen to eat, so I am hand feeding you often. Its harder work, but you are worth it just to have you a bit longer.
What we do together
- I enjoy playing with you using a laser pointer, watching you chasing it around and barking
- Its fun making you do tricks for treats. You can shake, bark and sit and drop on command. When you’re in the mood you’ll come up to me and nuzzle on my hand and rub against it.
- You love sniffing things and interacting with other dogs.
- I need and enjoy our walks together, and I often feel better after being out with you. I am so proud of you, and loved to tell people how well you are doing, especially for your age.
- Even though you aren’t keen on physical affection, I would try to sit with you most days, and give you some pats and cuddles.
- I enjoy taking you down the beach and watching you sniff around and explore, as well as interacting with other dogs and people.
- I often feel a little lost when I don’t have you close by, and am usually keen to get home and see you, and reassure you that I’m always going to come home to you.
- Every day I feed you and Moochy treats after each meal (its dessert!), and enjoy you guys being close by, sitting so nicely waiting for your next treat biscuit. Your drooling on my hands showed how keen you are. You also love having a treat every lunch time, and would often beg me for more in between (and I often give in).
- Sometimes when I wink at you, I swear that you wink back – its so cute.
- I also enjoy seeing you roll on your back with your legs in the air, when you are really happy, wriggling and making little noises, and you like it when mum and I clap at your trick. You even let me rub your belly which mum used to do too, and you seem to enjoy.
- When I would say “I love you” in a singsong voice, you will get excited and cry out and come up to me, like mum used to do too
- I love waking up next to you, and rubbing and patting you as you roll around and make little grunting sort of noises.
- When you met my jack russel Miki in Townsville, you copied her with how you play and interact, and you let Miki be the boss, much to my surprise. When you want to play, you quickly bow down on your front legs and your butt in the air, then jump up again, just like Miki did.
- When you are affectionate, you will rub your eyes and head against my hand, and let me rub them gently, showing your love and trust with me
- You being loving and playful – rolling around making happy noises while I rub your belly, you getting so excited you tried to jump up on the lounge next to me, happily crying out when I make “aww puppy” noises over and over, licking my face and hands and feet when you are happy and loving
- You are so happy to see me when I come home, you were jumping around, playing with me, and play biting at my hand, and licking me and my face
- When you could hear, you would really react to the plasma lighter sparky noise
- You make me laugh when you get really playful and fun, shaking hands with your left and right paw over and over, gently biting at my hand and the lounge and air,
- Picking up and throwing toys when you play
- Waking up with you laying against me, letting me cuddle you as we both wake up.
- When we our out walking, and you look at me a certain way – I throw my hands in the air and you run to me playfully
- When you are outside and want to come in, you would stick your head through the cat door and look around. Its so cute.
- Before going to sleep, I would cuddle you and pat you, and tell you about the good stuff that happened that day, and how much I love and care about you
Favorite places
- You love walking anywhere there are people and dogs. We have regular places we walk past – including a house with a lady (Leah) who sometimes sits out the front. You used to drag me up the drive way. You’d always love to interact with her, and try to eat the magpie food. Even now you check to see if she’s still there.
- When you meet a dog you like it’s like you become a puppy again, bounding up to the dog because you’re so excited and happy.
- Your favorite spot in the yard is on your trampoline bed, and you love to sun bake out there on warm days, to the point where you were panting and had to be coaxed back inside.
- You love the sunbeams in the lounge room too.
- You also like to carefully and slowly sniff around the plants in the garden. Mum and I could never quite figure out why you do this, but I think its because of critters like lizards that rarely but occasionally show up.
Big moments
- When you were with mum you were so protective of her you couldn’t go near other dogs – it was a milestone for me to be able to take you up to new dogs and see your love for socialising bloom. I love watching you play with them. You even act motherly to younger pups like Happy. You were so good at telling Happy off for barking at Moochy, or when he was too rough, without being harsh.
- When we lost mum, you wouldn’t follow me around much, and did not want to come upstairs while I showered. But eventually you did and it made me so happy to know that you were bonding with me more. Even if it was partly because I gave you treats when you did.
- When we took you to Edithburg you had such a great time. You had so much fun on the beach. We would throw things in the water and you would dunk your head under to grab them. When going to the beach you liked to collect a stick or two, and would chew on them back at home.
- When you are happy and loving – you rub against my hand, lick my hands and/or feet, rub against my armpit, nuzzle my arm with your nose, rub your head under my foot rest, rub your eyes and face against my hands
- You would still come upstairs to be closer to me, even when it was hard for you to climb the stairs when you were older.
- You went for a walk, and climbed up and down the stairs nearly every day, right up to your last day. I’m so proud of you.
Favorite foods and toys
- You used to love playing with toys that make noise – I even bought you a Tickle Me Elmo which you loved before you went deaf. I would find them secondhand at the salvos. I also got you a Paddington Bear that would talk when it’s paws or belly were pressed, another favorite.
- You also like playing with Moochy and you are often playful and affectionate to him.
- The parroting chipmunk toys were also a favorite of yours, and you loved barking at it and having it bark back at you, before grabbing it to chew on. You were so gentle and were good at giving it back before you broke it. Though you had trouble letting go, you were so keen to keep chewing.
- I made a box with holes in the top, where I could pop out food for you to try and grab, before I would pull it down again, then up through a different random hole. We have fun with that.
- You loved it when I would hide food around the house, and let you sniff them out.
- Your favorite foods are Schmacko’s straps, and you would often ask me for another one. You love cat biscuits and they are like a treat to you too.
- You were always keen to lick my plates and bowls clean, and would even try and get me to eat (so you can get your reward too!) even when I wasn’t hungry. You would lead me to the kitchen to try and convince me to get something to eat.
- One favorite thing I liked to do is to take you through Hungry Jacks (and others) drive through and share chips on the way home. You were always so happy seeing the person in the serving window.
- When you were younger you loved getting soft toys and teddy bears and would chew on bits of them, and then pull the stuffing out through the holes. You had a great time doing that.
- You used to watch TV and would sometimes react or bark at the dogs and other animals on the screen. You still look at the TV and seem to be watching whats going on, for a few moments. Mum used to put on dog YouTube videos for you and you really liked them and would cry and bark at the screen
- Every night you love playing with your treat ball(s) full of cat biscuits, and you are so clever at getting them out. And sometimes you even manage to get the lid off and get them all at once!
- You used to bark at the postie, and people on scooters, and loved to come out and check the mail with mum and I.
- Playing with the silicone fidget spinners, you loved to try to catch it while I would pull it away at the last second. You were so gentle and gave it back when I asked
- You sometimes pick up the tennis ball, or a small toy, and throw it across the room and then chase after it
- You get so much joy out of tearing up bits of paper, bags, and cardboard, I love seeing it.
My hopes for Buffy
29/Apr/2025 For the rest of your life, I just want to know that you are happy, and that you know I love you dearly. I want the rest of our time together to be filled with love and happiness, and for you to be free of suffering. I want your passing to be peaceful and for you to not be scared or sad. I hope that my tears and pain don’t cause you additional fear or anything like that.
