Where do I start...

 

Well, our boy started out on the ride home from the pet store as “Bud.”  We were young and thought it would be cool to name our dog after our favorite beer.  We arrived home with our bundle of joy, unhooked his leash and let him go.  Bud went running across the floors and immediately ended up spread eagle and sliding right into the wall.  So, his name changed from Bud to Kramer (we were Seinfeld fans.)   Sadly, Kramer passed away back in June at the age of thirteen, and I miss him dearly.  His loss has left my heart with a hole that will never mend.  My husband and I find comfort in stories of his early destruction, but I will admit that it's a very good thing that we held unconditionally love for this dog.  I can't assign a dollar amount, but I'm sure that it was in the thousands.  

 

In the beginning, we did make a gallant effort to crate train, but after several months of crying and messing in the crate, along with the sad, sad looks, we decided to give Kramer run of the house and leave the back door open while we were at work.   One day, after work, I am greeted not only by Kramer, but also the neighbor’s dog, Murphy.  Murphy was a very energetic husky that lived on the other side of our fence.  He was a good jumper.  The two dogs had ripped my brand new Kirsch blinds right out of the wall.  I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but surmised that they were probably going after the postman. No more open doors for Kramer and no more play dates with Murphy.  

 

On two other occasions, I returned from work and noticed a large hole in my Andersen picture window.  Again, I think he was going after the postman.   I really don't understand why he had it out for that poor guy.   Ugh!!!!!  So the barricades went up in front of the window.

 

Now, imagine moving into your starter home and ripping up the hideous brown, shag carpet and finding beautiful wood floors throughout your home.  My husband and I bit the bullet and spent the money to have them refinished and they were beautiful.  Unfortunately, I made the stupid mistake of leaving a small can of unopened, white oil based paint on the counter.  Yep!  You guessed it.  I came home from work one day to find white paw prints all over my newly finished floors. 

 

Strangely, Kramer had a look and disposition that would somehow make us feel guilty when these things happened.  Granted, he had separation anxiety, but he was never left alone for more than 4 hours at a time.  We didn't go on dates or vacations because of this dog.   One Saturday afternoon, I noticed that he looked a bit ill and I decided to whip up some nice white chicken breast and brown rice for Kramer.  My husband mocked me for my actions and I waved it off as jealousy.  Kramer seemed better after his special dinner and I was proud of the fact that it did the trick.  Later in the day, I went downstairs to our guest room and noticed something strange on our new mattress.  The furry creep had eaten a hole right in the middle of the mattress.  I guess it didn’t sit well with his constitution.

 

There are many other stories involving microwaves, the back seat of a Thunderbird and some fine china.  But, soon enough, we had children and I became a stay at home mom.  Kramer eventually forgave me for bringing two leggers into the house, and he became much less destructive.  He grew into a loyal and obedient companion that can never be replaced. 

To his memory…..