Reflections on Bacon

It's been 30 years (give or take) since my dog Bacon was laid to rest, and I feel like I'm ready to talk about what she meant to me.

For those of you who never met her, she was a caring, playful, conscientious dog, who never really considered herself a dog. She was with me throughout my entire childhood - and probably my closest friend and confidante during much of that time. To her, I'm pretty sure I was the son she never had.

Bacon had her quirks. She liked to stand in the middle of the street sniffing moving cars' bumpers. She loved a good leg-hump. She was terrified of storms. She howled at melodica music. And she could not keep guilt off her face when she knew she had done something wrong. She would have been a terrible poker player (what with the tail-wagging when she had a good hand, and the looking-away - avoiding eye contact - when she was bluffing).

I used to lie in bed as a child, Bacon sleeping at my feet, calculating how old I would be when she ultimately ran out of dog-years. (I believe I estimated I would be 17, not far off). I remember taking consolation in the fact that by the time I was 17, I'd be ready for it. I wasn't.

My Mom very bravely did what had to be done when my youngest sister and I were away at camp. She warned us before we left that we should say goodbye to Bacon. I don't think I did because how do you really say goodbye to a dog? I know that I could never bring myself to make that long drive with a beloved pet, and yet my Mom did. I always joke about that deed (calling her at various times an "executioner" and a "murderer", but lovingly and with tongue in cheek), but I understand that what she did was necessary and heroic. At the same time, I sure won't be letting my Mom know if I ever start peeing on the floor for fear of what she's capable of.

But back to Bacon. My earliest scribblings in Grade 1 notebooks are about her (including a series about her periods). My fondest childhood memories include hugs and licks and magnificent displays of excitement when I came home from school (I get great welcomes - sometimes - from the daughters when I walk in the door today, but nothing compares to the unmitigated joy that Bacon brought to every greeting). And I still have dreams that include Bacon, alive and well.

I hope your little corner of doggie heaven includes unrestricted living room couches, urine-proof carpets, and hump-worthy legs as far as the eye can see. You earned nothing less.