He was only a pup, not even one year old. Yet he brought us so much joy and laughter to our family. He could talk, honestly he could. He used his speech to tease us, to goat us into playing with him. Which wasn't to hard for him to do because each one of us were bonded tightly to this loveable mutt. His deep throaty growl would taunt us to dare to take away his toy. That toy being anything from an old plastic lid he'd chewed into something unrecognizable, to a shoe, a ball or just a piece of paper. He loved playing keep away, running just close enough to make you think you have a chance and then darting away again with a smirk on his face. We have a rope that hangs from an old apple tree. The rope meant many hours of fun for him and my boys. Funny how he'd grab hold of that thing with his teeth and swing. Each of our sons spent special times with this hound. He loved the one on one attention or a group gathering. When friends of our sons would come over Cuda would bark not knowing who was driving up. Most of the friends thought that bark was a warning. But all of us knew he barked cause it was HE that was scared. All anyone had to do was say his name and a wag of his tail and a quick grab for something to play with and Cuda was your best friend. He visited me often at my computer desk wondering why I'd rather sit and look at a screen rather then come out and play with him. (I wonder that too) When hubby came home he meet him and say "come play with me please I haven't seen you all day. Hubby could not resist his growls of pleasure, so he'd spend a few moments giving Cuda, time as a treasure. His face would appear in the window at night. Letting us know it's time to go nity nite. He'd bound in with a gleam in his eye, make the rounds to each of us before kenneling for the nite. Most days I was fortunate to greet him each morning, to let him and sissy (small canine friend) out to start their day. He always paused just a minute or two, to make sure he got his first morning rub. Then off he would wander outside for the day.

This day (December 28,2000) he wander to far and found a place where cars travel to fast to stop.
He was struck and killed.
Our Friend is gone, our hearts cry in much pain. For knowing we'll never hear that growl to tease us again.

CudaBear
WE LOVE YOU!!!
WE MISS YOU!!!

Puppy Love