It’s been one year since our dog and friend Paco died peacefully in my arms. Paco never made it to Cortona, although he would have found many companions as everyone seems to have a dog! And as Len often laments, “The dogs speak better Italian than I do!”
In memory of Paco, I am reposting what I wrote last year and adding a few pictures.
Paco 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.
Still missing you!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Beautiful…dogs become ours family so fast.
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And stay in our memory so long.
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All our dog family members are so special. I’m planning now on logistics to get our setter Gwen to Italy on our next extended trip. She’s just one year old and I know that there will be a day when I will have to make her last trip as easy as possible. Thanks
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Good for Gwen!
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Judy – that was so poignant – definitely brought tears to my eyes. I remember sweet Paco. He would have had a grand time in Italy! If you get a chance, watch the film “Dean Spanley” with Sam Neill and Peter O’Toole. You’ll love it!
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So glad you remember him. Thanks for the film suggestion!
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Very nice perspective. I enjoyed reading the story.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks – he was a great pet.
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Sorry to hear about Paco Judy. My darling Golden Retriever is now 14 and half years years old, which is a lot for a dog his size. I’m travelling back to Cortona next week and then to Brazil to see my parents. So afraid something can happen to him while I’m away… They are angels in our lives. Keep well.
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Vera,
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your two other wonderful homes!
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