Farewell, My Little Monster
Yesterday I lost one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever had in life, my sweet little pug, Pooj. Since that first moment his fat little puppy face looked into mine, we were bonded in life. Not a day passed that we weren’t together, he was more a child to me than a pet, and he always found a way to make me laugh. As a young dog, we went everywhere together, his difficulty breathing and his tendency to overheat in hot Texas summers didn’t stop him from wanting to be wherever I was, inside or outside. He loved to have his belly rubbed, he liked baths, and adored being brushed. And he was smart, too, only had to tell him once and he got it. Never chewed my shoes, never sorted through the garbage, never gnawed on furniture, or barked non-stop when I was away. As he grew older, he had a stately way of carrying himself with his barrel chest and curled tail covered in gray. He got slower and breathing became more difficult for him, so our walks became shorter and shorter, but he never lost his enthusiasm and always gave everything in his path a right good sniff.
The last few months were not his most active, he struggled at times to catch his breath after our walks, and his stamina wasn’t the best, but his little curled tail would always wag, and that twinkle in his eyes never went away.
Last night, he seemed disoriented and couldn’t seem to keep his balance, so I put him on the bed so he could settle a bit, and he took a large breathe and passed away. I’m not ashamed to admit I wailed when he took his last breath in my arms, this little blessing who has been beside me through numerous life struggles and hardships, always happy to see me, always ready with a sloppy kiss. He has always been the one, pure love that never needed words, that was always there for me.
I buried him under a big tree by a stream, a beautiful place for my little monster who snored louder than I did, who drizzled water all through the house, always wanted to get me up an hour before the alarm, who had an unlimited supply of sloppy wet kisses, who never cared if I needed a haircut or new shoes or a shower, who was just happy to be a part of my life. I can’t put into words the feeling of loss I have right now.
Many of you may know that Pooj was the inspiration for Zombie Boy’s pet Gorr, and I can say in many ways he IS Pooj. At the moment, I’m having a hard time dealing with the loss, but I know in my heart that Poojie will always live with me and continue to inspire me through the strip.
Discussion (22) ¬
we wish you more well-wishes than can fit into these words. sometimes it sucks to have a superior life-span, especially when those we love so dearly transition-on in their own time. i consider it an unbelievable blessing that you were there for him when he left naturally. great-big digital hugs for you!
Mark, words are insufficient to express the loss. I am sitting here knowing from my own experiences a bit of your pain. But we will all continue to smile and get great joy from Pooj’s inspirational incarnation as Gorr.
Unconditional love… thats all a dog knows! That and how to clear a room with their rooty-tooty-stinky-booty!
He will continue to live in your heart and through your pencil! That little devils work is not done, he still has comic pages to freely run through! [tips hat]
I’m at work right now Mark, but I’m shedding tears over this. I know how much Pooj meant to you, and how much this hurts. You know I went through this with my beloved Chihuahua, Mr. Big. Dogs are special in God’s eyes, and those who love them are special too. Remember this – all dogs go to heaven. You’ll see him again.
{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}
I knew Gorr was written with love. Now I know why. I’ve been where you are way too many times, and another of our cats is becoming slow with age & my main thought right now is DEATH SUCKS!!!!!
If nothing else, know that Pooj is loved. No only by you, but by all of us who’ve come to love him through your and Gorr’s eyes.
I’m very sorry to hear that, Mark. You have my condolences. Dogs mean so very much to us, and in some ways they can even be better than people. The only thing wrong with dogs is that they never live long enough.
I’m sorry to hear this Mark, losing a pet is like losing a family member. Sending all the best your way.
So sorry for your loss. Best wishes.
I really appreciate that, Spencey. Your kind words mean a lot.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mark. Pooj sounds like the sweetest little kid a person could have.
Mark, I’m so sorry to hear about Pooj’s passing. I know from many posts you made about him and mentioning him on several podcasts that he was a huge part of your daily life. It was obvious that your bond to Pooj was greater than most people’s relationships with their dogs.
I have to admit that I’m feeling a bit of a loss as well. I’ve been fond of Pooj and all the posts you’ve made about him. Inspiring you in your gags about Gorr. I always think of Pooj when I see a Gorr strip. And what he must have done in real life to inspire that strip.
You will always miss him, but remember how fortunate you were to have Pooj in your life in the first place. 😉
My wife and I ADORE pugs. Pugs are amazing. Poor Pooj! He’ll live on through Gorr.
Pooj seemed like such a wonderful dog & that’s a great photo of him Mark. He’s definitely a Gorr look-a-like for sure. It was really nice that you were with him when he passed away. I think it would’ve be harder to come home & find him already gone. As Binky/Peter said, the only thing wrong with dogs is that they don’t live long enough. I still remember when our previous Poodle Misty passed on & now Dixie is 7 years old. I really wish our pets had much longer life spans
Mark, I am soooo sorry for your loss. I know how much the leaf bandit meant to you. He was a wonderful little puppy, and he’s now frolicking with Mr. Big and Runtin, awaiting our ultimate arrival.
Thanks Greg. I know you’ve been through it over the last few years yourself. I never imagined how hard it would be to have to endure it, and how profound the loss would be, it’s the finality of it that hurts the most. I keep expecting to hear his little toenails clicking on the floor when he hears me come home with that smile only a happy dog has, or see him at my feet when I’m shaving in the morning. Just the whole him not being around thing is truly heart wrenching. I just wish they’re lives could last much longer than they do. I do appreciate your kind words and support, they really do help.
You’ve suffered a great loss.
I just saw this, I am so sorry for your loss. Pooj will live on in Zombie Boy.
Thank you, Tom. It’s been a rough time losing someone who meant so much to me. Pooj took a part of me with him, but he’ll always be a part of me.
Mark,..I just happened across this blog posting. So so sorry to hear about the loss of Pooj,…BUT know this…..he is with you every step of the way and every time you lay down pencil lines for the adorable Gorr. It’s August now as of this writing but I bet that ol buddy Pooj keeps popping up in everything you do!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Todd. To be honest, I haven’t drawn many Gorr toons lately due to the fact that I’m still grieving a bit. I guess I need the time to make peace with the loss. But truly, Gorr is SO much Pooj, they will always be linked in my heart. I appreciate your encouragement, it means a lot!
Oh, my dear Mark! I just found this post. How heartbreaking! I wish I had words. I know about this kind of loss and the grieving and that it takes a LONG time and you always miss them. In some ways the grieving is the honoring of who they were to us. Bless you Mark. Sorry.