In Memory Of
Mongo
About My Dog
Mongo was a Lhasa Apso my husband and I bought at a pet store when we were young and ignorant. He was a "puppy-mill" dog as exhibited by his large size and "bad bite." He lived up to his name and the Lhasa "guard dog" tradition by nipping at the ankles of everyone who visited our house. He had a bark more befitting to a Tibetan Mastiff, and when the doorbell rang, he would be off and running, with his impressive deep barks.
Mongo was killed when he dug a hole under our fence and tried to mate a neighbor's German Shepherd. Our Mongo always had high ambitions in life. I'm sure he is nipping at angels' heels now.
What I'd Like to Say To (or About) My Dog
Mongo was as loyal as a dog could be, and he adored everyone in his home, including our cats. I'm sure he would have fought to the death for any of us, if the occasion ever arose.
Even though he was of "puppy mill" origins, we couldn't have loved him more. My son was in the Army, en route to Somalia when Mongo died. I waited until he was coming home on leave before I could bear to give him the news, and it was devastating to him. I created a wooden cross memorial for him with "He Loved His Family Well" burned into the wood crossbar.
We still talk about him often, and every time a doorbells rings on TV, we brace ourselves for the loud barking that will come.
I sure miss that little guy with the large brown eyes, tufts of hair hanging down, and crooked teeth.
Lessons Learned
- Begging sweetly will sometimes yield rewards
- If you don't respect yourself, no one else will
- Family is to be loved, cherished, and protected
- Big hearts come in small packages
- Reach for the stars; you never know when you'll find one
