Stimpy
We just said goodbye to our little, blind, old man Stimpy on Friday. His decline was rapid, caused by a recently discovered bleeding tumor in his liver. His last 6 months were lived as a fulltime RV dog and I'm so thankful we had that time with him.
Here is some Stimpy wisdom, and photos from his amazing 6 months as an RV adventuredog.
When in doubt, take the walk,Rodeo, New Mexico
Take the hike (it's okay if you need help),Red Canyon, Utah
Don't let anything slow you down.When your seeing eye hoomin fails you!
Take a nap when you need it,Stimpy spent travel days in his "command post."
Maybe a few naps...He'd eventually sprawl out in Lily's bed, and she'd let him sleep.
Nap in public, people will look at you funny but it's okay.We called this look the "dead opossum."
Enjoy some fresh air,Boondocking in Dixie National Forest, Utah.
Get plenty of sunshine,Hammock time was a favorite.
And sunbeams when indoors.As a blind dog, it was astonishing how he could locate even the smallest sunbeam.
Eat the ice cream,We always shared.
Eat the snow cone,His first snow cone in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Eat the french fries, Tommi accidentally spilled all of them on top of Stimpy immediately after this photo...RAINING FRENCH FRIES!!!
Eat the tiny bones,Enjoying appropriately sized Busy Bones.
And absolutely eat the big bones if you're given the chance.Stimpy's last good day was spent eating his dream bone.
Try the low grass,Morgan, Utah
But if that's not your thing, try the tall grass...Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana
Or try a lap in some grass!East Glacier Park Village, Montana
And live that off-leash life as much as you can!Boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona
Pee on everything,Lake Mead, Nevada
In the winter, enjoy the warmth of a sweater (while peeing),
Camo peeing -- you can't see him!
In the summer, leave your pawprints in the sand,
I didn't think much when I took this photo but now I'm glad I did.
And never miss a chance to be silly.
Howdy Partner! Bryce Canyon City, Utah
Take your hoomins to new places, like Bryce Canyon National Park,
Dogs walked from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point.
Waterfalls in Idaho,
"Why am I getting wet?!" - Blind Dog Stimpy
Grand Teton National Park,
Oxbow bend
Glacier National Park,
Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Even the dog unfriendly Hoover Dam (from a distance!)Shot from the end of our hike, the parking structure.
And keep them company while they have to work, even if it's boring.
Carmine, Texas
And when you start to feel like you're fading away, spend even more time with your hoomins.
Helena, Montana
Ask them hold you close,
Freezeout Lake, Montana
If you're hurting, ask for comfort, and time sitting still.
Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park
A warm lap and soft pets can do wonders for your wellbeing.
So glad we had these moments.
They will be so sad but appreciate all this time they were able to spend with you.
Knowing what you have to do to ease their pain is the saddest and hardest thing.
And when it's time to go, don't be scared. Just close your eyes and run free.We love you and miss you so much Stimpy. Hope you're enjoying your restored vision and healthy body in Dog Heaven.
❤️
Stimpy Dog Jens
2006-July 28th, 2017