Our dog and friend Paco died peacefully in my arms around noon today. He had been failing this last week and letting us know it was his time to go. We were fortunate to have had him nearly 17 years, almost 119 in human years. Unlike humans, however, he never lost his puppy look. Rarely could a person pass without commenting what a darling puppy he was.
Paco was born in Marble Falls, Texas, in late 1995. A lady who worked at a Drexel Heritage furniture store found him in a field (covered in burrs) and didn’t know what to do with him. She had named him Drexel. Len and I were supposed to be playing golf, but it was pouring outside and the courses were closed. Not much else to do in Marble Falls besides golf, so we wandered into the store.
The cute little black puppy followed me around the store and we offered to take him home. Benita was not quite three and we were thinking about getting a dog anyway. Why not this one, a homeless mutt?
We changed his name to Paco. None of us know where the name came from but it certainly fit him better than Drexel. Ironic thing is, I bought a Drexel Heritage sofa this week.
The rest is history. Paco was an easy dog and just about everyone he met couldn’t help but like him…including my Mom, who really wasn’t much of a dog person. I guess it’s just hard to resist a dog with a perpetual puppy face, a snaggle tooth, and jet black fur that felt like mink.
My friend Glenys recently told me about a book written from a dog’s perspective. The dog is nearly Paco’s age, failing and not wanting x-rays, tests, and treatments – just wanting his beloved owner to know it’s ok to let him die peacefully with dignity.
Paco had that look in his eyes as I held his head in my hands. It was his time…we both knew. Farewell, buddy… we’ll miss you, but we sure had a long and great run together.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
I’m so sorry for your loss. He really was a character and topic of much discussion through the years. May he rest in peace.
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He was never one to miss those sleepovers, happily snoring under the sofa bed upstairs. He loved all the attention you girls gave him!
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Hi Judy, Len and Benita.
Sorry to hear Paco passing, he was a sweet dog!
Our beloved Goldie has passed on the 2nd of February this year. The vet gave her too much gas, for a small growth removal, and he could never wake her up. She was 12 years old and never sick. Goliath is still missing her, together with the rest of us. We enjoyed your blogging from Italy.
All the Best,
Magda and Albert
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Magda,
So sorry to hear about Goldie. That must have been so hard on all of you. Miss you all but not the heat!
Judy
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Paco was an exceptional dog – very loving and loyal – how blessed you were to have him in your life for so long. It’s always tough to have a beloved pet pass. But, your lives were so much more rich for his presence.
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Truly, truly. Thanks.
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Chances are the book you speak of is “A Dog’s Purpose.” A great book for anyone, especially those of us who have loved and lost a dog.
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Thanks for your note. Checked with my friend and the name of the book she read was “The Art of Racing in the Rain” – one you might enjoy as well.
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I have read that also; liked “A Dog’s Purpose” better.
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Oh Paco. You will be missed. Beautiful post, Juju. I hope that he is frolicking with Winston as we speak. They both died at 17…wow. What wonderful friends they were to us. Love you.
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How ironic how close together they left us. Frolicking…I like that image!
Love you too!
Juju
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Judy, Len and Benita,
Larry and I are very sorry for your loss. Paco was a real sweetheart and you gave him a wonderful life. He was a real treasure, and I’m sure you will all miss him and think of him often.
Thank you for sharing – what a great picture of him!
Hugs, Sandy and Larry
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So glad you had a chance to meet Paco!
Hugs to you both.
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Paco was a real trouper and a great boat dog! I’m sure you will miss him but have so many fun memories of all of his antics. MaryBeth & Bob
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He was a trouper…never sure he loved the dock but he definitely loved all the attention!
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He was such a sweet dog. We will miss him and that snaggle tooth!
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That snuggle tooth really was his trademark!
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He was a happy soul
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Funny thing is, I took him to the vet the day before and he acted like a puppy there. Fortunately for us, he left us on his own terms, peacefully at home, in my arms.
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