WITH DAILY WALKS AND A WAG OF HIS TAIL, RUFUS HELPED TO BRING A NEIGHBORHOOD TOGETHER FIVE STAR LIFT Edition

• Published in: St. Louis post-dispatch
• Main Author: Behrman, Gary
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Louis, Mo Pulitzer, Inc 26.10.2000
• Subjects: Community support; Dogs; Neighborhoods; Pets
• ISSN: 1930-9600

MY reasons for living in the city were confirmed when my dog, [RUFUS], died. Rufus was a big black dog, a lab mix, who loved everybody in the neighborhood (except the mailman). Rufus and I lived together for 10 years. Our block is home to accountants, teachers, firefighters, carpenters, physicians, a librarian, nurse, car salesman and a horticulturist. What we thought was a bad case of arthritis turned out to be more serious. Word spread quickly through the neighborhood that Rufus had bone cancer. I made the decision to have Rufus euthanized at home. It turned out to be a wonderful experience, a genuine sharing of loss. The last weekend of Rufus' life was memorable. Neighbors came to say goodbye to Rufus. He would greet each guest at the door with his familiar bark and wagging tail. Many brought a final treat for him and flowers or a book for me. We laughed and cried together as we told "Rufus stories." I even learned that Rufus taught himself how to open a neighbor's back door and let himself into the kitchen to check out the supper menu. It was gratifying and humbling to see how connected so many people were to Rufus.