Homer J. Sue: 1996-2012

This past week my first dog died.  He wasn't eating and we found out he had kidney failure, so he had to be put down.  My dad said goodbye to him for all of us - I'm sure that was hard to do, as it was very sad to hear. Homer had just turned 16 in February - so he was an old guy who lived a long, happy life full of treats, excitement from all the comings and goings in the Mowry household, companionship with his sister Rose (who died a year and a half ago), and even on one occasion - an entire helping of frosting off of a 50th birthday cake!

Homer was a happy-go-lucky dog who loved everyone he met and would lick a stranger's face - particularly if the stranger was carrying a Beggin Bit!  This was an interesting contrast with his sister Rose - who was a bit touchy with anyone but her immediate family.  Many times we'd come downstairs to the basement that become their lair.  Rosey would be barking from the top of the couch while Homer was standing by the cabinet, wagging his tail expectantly with some serious puppy eyes - hoping for a biscuit.

We got them my sophomore year - Abby, Dad and Mom went to pick up one dog from a breeder.  They were going to get just Homer, but Rose fell asleep in Abby's lap and the ploy to get 2 worked!  It was good - because I think having the two of them was good for us and great for them.  Homer was named by my brother for his favorite Simpsons' character - and I named Rose after my favorite Michigan basketball player.  His in particular was an apt name - he was the dimmer bulb of the two, but simple things seemed to make him happy.  She lasted about as long as Jalen's NBA career, and he had the longevity that TV show has enjoyed.  Homer always seemed like PEM's dog and Rose seemed more like mine - but they were a joy for all of us!

Homer and Rose were around for all of high school for Peter, Abby and I.  If you ran a bad track race, Homer or Rose would be happy to lay next to you to make you feel better.  As the three of us went off to college and eventually the real world, one exciting thing about coming home was seeing our dogs - even though after each trip they'd be a little grayer in the face or a little slower to jump off the couch.  They both always had good energy even as they got old - Homer couldn't see or hear very well any more, but he was still excited when you saw him.  When Katie and I moved to New Jersey, I was sad that I'd see my dogs less, and it was pretty likely they'd pass away while we were here.  So each time we were home, I always knew it might be the last time I'd see them.  For me and Homer, that was this Christmas.  I'll always miss my 2 doggies, and it will be kind of sad going home and neither of them being there, but I'm glad we knew them for so many great years!

Here's a picture of the two of them with their little "nephew" - a very young Griffey, whom they felt inclined to remind that 129 Wyoming Ave. "was their house".  I'm not sure - there must have been something very exciting to the right of the photographer here!