Thursday, August 12, 2010

Good Night, Sweet Prince

There isn't enough room here or anywhere else for a complete list of noble deeds performed by Atticus. So this is only the tip of the iceberg, beginning with goats whose lives were saved:

Betsy (gazing fondly in a part-Nubian manner at large coyote until Atty appeared)
Hannah Belle (2x - once hanging upside down from fence, once stuck in gate requiring Jaws of Life. Atty called for assistance and remained with victim until aid arrived)
Marv (rolled under the deck when he accidentally got born outside in 20 degree weather. Atty would not stop barking)
Buttons and Cappy (born in the down-below shed, Atty would not let anyone in the door)
John and George (born in the pasture when no one was home. Atty escorted them throughout the day)
Mel (Atty lay by her for who knows how long while she was stuck in fence through her own stupidity)
Pinetop (foot trapped between deck boards, could not extricate self, Atty called for assistance)
Strange man came to farm, possibly selling firewood, and started yelling at the farmer for no apparent reason. Atty appeared from nowhere and grabbed the man's shirtsleeve in an encouraging manner, while gazing at the man intently and making a low rumbling noise like an earthquake in the distance. The man was encouraged to stop yelling and get in his car and drive away immediately.
Intervened on behalf of his elderly friend Rocky the Raccoon.
Lay outside Snow Pea's stall for 6 hours when she was crying because she had to stay inside alone.
Allowed baby goats to use him as a trampoline.
Did not kill Wendell, again and again. Repeatedly did not kill Wendell.

Too much more to list. Too many things.

We hope he is on a mountaintop covered with snow somewhere, where it never gets too hot, and the baby goats have nice soft hooves, and the dinner is served on time, and there is a little cave he can lie in, and look out over his domain.

10 comments :

Terry said...

There are good dogs, and then there are GREAT DOGS. We are all so sad for your loss. But what a grand life he had!

Marigold said...

And don't forget he is now with Baby Belle. I imagine she needs some looking after even over the Rainbow. Who else is going to keep her from eating too many Swedish Fish???

goatgirl said...

That is a beautiful tribute in so many ways.

Claire MW said...

Oh dear, this just made me get teary-eyed. Rest peacefully Atty, all dogs should be so lucky to have a life like yours was. And all goats should be so lucky to have such a brave and valiant caregiver.

AshleyInNYC said...

All I say is that I am so sad for you, all the other little goaties, and especially for the farmer. Atty was a magnificent and clearly very sweet guy...you are all in my thoughts, and I send you many internet hugs. Much love.

Millie said...

My what a heroic guy he was. If all dogs go to Heaven, he must be a true angel as wonderful as he was to your family.

Kathy in KY said...

I am so sorry for your loss of Atty. the only word I can think of now to describe him in Noble. he is now watching over Baby Belle, over the Rainbow Bridge. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Take care, from KY.

denise f said...

Atticus -- may the sun always shine on you in your place, may Wendell live a long and fruitful life (so you don'thave to deal with him in heaven), and may you know that you are loveed and missed here on earth...

Anonymous said...

http://lucky13goatranch.blogspot.com/2010/08/rip-fudge.html

This is my sad story, it seems that this is a sad time for us all...

Lisa said...

We just got a Great Pyrenees to protect our goats from coyotes. She's only little yet. 9 weeks old. But I hope she's becomes as good as Atticus.