In Memory of Milo

Milo died quietly in our arms on September 25, 2008 after a brief and sudden illness. He was a wonderful dog and a joy in every way and he is greatly missed.

We adopted Milo from FBRN in August 2004, and then spent every day after smiling and laughing at his antics. He loved to be around people, all people—his people, your people, random people, didn’t matter. Whenever he was in a crowd, he’d dart from person to person just long enough for a pat and maybe an ear scratch before moving on to the next supplicant. It’s hard to understand how anyone could neglect such a loving and personable dog for eight years, but Milo made it up for that lost time by cramming as much people-time as possible into his last four. He was loved and adored by almost everyone he met. Those few curmudgeonly non-dog people who didn’t want to stop and love on him just like everyone else confused him greatly.

He had such an expressive face that it was hard not to ascribe emotions and thoughts to the various looks he would give us. The quizzical face that asked, “Why doesn’t that mean old man want to pet me?” The expectant look that insisted, “That’s a treat, isn’t it? Can I have it? I’d really like a treat. Give it to me, please.” The oh-so-sad puppy-dog eyes that said, “Why is that computer in your lap and not me?” The insistent look that exclaimed, “I’ve waited too long and I must go out now. Now!” The sleepy, droopy-eyed look that mumbled, “Shhh, don’t talk to me right now, I’m napping.” The satisfied upside-down look that sighed, “Ah, belly rubs and wallerin’—that’s good stuff.” And the contented and happy look that he wore upon his handsome mug as he snuggled down between us every night.

Milo was a man of many monikers: his foster mom Kate dubbed him Mr. Squishy, the doctors and staff at the vet’s office rechristened him Big M, and he was known around here variously as Milosch, Milosevic, Milo-san, Stinky McStinkerson, Bratley, Drippy, Drooly, Mileage, and the Milonator. He was a true character with oodles of personality and our house echoes with the silence of his absence. We will cherish his memory always and we are so grateful to have been lucky enough to get to spend four fabulous years with Milo the Magnificent.

Milo's mom wrote a wonderful tribute to him on her blog:
http://heylookachicken.blogspot.com/2008/10/milo-my-love.html