“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.”
– John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog
Yogi, my oldest daughter Robyn’s lovable three-legged corgi, left us last week.
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Yogi was such a happy dog. Her loving nicknames for Yogi included “Yogs” or “Yo-Yo”.
Yogs made me grin when he would run…if you can call it running. Indeed, it was like watching a huge log of Jimmy Dean sausage on steroids with four Vienna sausages¹ as legs chugging through the grass.
Man, he loved to play with a ball. You’d toss a tennis ball or a toy and he would just instantly turn his back on you and bound away with his tailless butt the only thing you could see… just like how the famous Willie Mays did after hearing the the crack of the bat. After he chased it down, he’d bring it back near your feet. He’d then stare at the now motionless ball… And if Yogi thought you were ignoring him, he’d use his long, skinny nose to nudge it closer to you if you didn’t pick it up. “Again! Again!” he was saying. The simple joy he must have had.
The only time he wasn’t happy was when fireworks went off. He would cower behind Robyn’s toilet, shaking in fear, with his two shivering rear legs protruding out from behind the toilet. He was such a lovable wuse.
And he always wanted to be alongside somebody. “Hey! Me! Me! Look at me!” he was saying in dog-speak.
Yogs loved everyone – at least everyone who loved dogs. He was always so happy to see you. And he also knew who loved him. He took in my dad and Old Man Jack very quickly on Father’s day in 2011.
When Robyn would bring Yogi to my house, I’m sure he sensed in her car with his doggy nose, “Ooo! Ooo! We’re near grandpa’s house… The house that I can jump onto comfy sofas all I want and leave my hair all over them…and mama can’t say no! Woof!”
And one of Yogi’s most favorite spots to sit was on my lap as I sat on my sofa; it was a silent doggy signal… His stubby little Vienna Sausage legs would propel him right onto my lap as soon as I sat down. No invite was necessary. Then, he would would lovingly lay his head on my nice round belly.
Once he made it to my lap, he didn’t have to say one bark; his face said, “Pet me, you dumb human, while I leave tons of my hair as souvenirs!”
Well, perhaps I was stretching it a bit. Yogs didn’t really care whose lap it was… It would become HIS spot. No matter what you were sitting on. No matter how little space there was… It was all his space.
But make no mistake about it. He knew who his mama was. When Robyn would bring him over to my home to look after him for part of the day and then grew tired of all the attention I was giving him (How rude!), he would patiently wait at the door for his mama to come home.
And of course, his “Feed me some of that human food!” face.
“Huh? I don’t care if it has preservatives! …What??? Mama said no??? Well, if you don’t tell her, I won’t!”²
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It was right before Christmas last year; her usual happy boy Yogi was then not only limping, he would yelp after I patted him on the usual spot: his side near his shoulder. After a few persistent visits with different vets, Robyn tragically found out why her beloved son was limping.
Yogi had cancer. He was only eight.
She was devastated. We all were but I felt most badly for Robyn and I knew exactly how she felt. Yogi was a big part of her life and he provided much happiness. But just as if Yogs was her boy, she opted for surgery… but in order to remove the tumor, her beloved Corgi had to lose his leg.
He returned home the day after Christmas last year. Robyn was so happy Yo-Yo was back home.
We went to visit Robyn on August 23rd. Even with all my failings, Yogs would always greet me with great happiness at the door with his stocky Jimmy Dean Sausage body nearly bowling me over. But this time, he barely made it over to me as we walked in. I said, “Yogiiii… What’s wrong?” I secretly feared for the worst. I knew in my heart something was very wrong with Yogi.
She took Yogi to the vet on August 30th. Inoperable cancer had now spread to his spine; he was in great pain. She called me over that night to say goodbye as did many other family and friends. There was great sadness. But there was a happy moment. She said I could give Yogi some of my human food deli sandwich. I think we all gave Yogi some. He must’ve been so happy.
Yogi left us the next day, August 31st, while being lovingly held by my daughter and son-in-law, just like Masako held my grandma in her arms as she passed away, Yogi was blessed with having such an adoring mom and dad.
I know he is in doggy heaven. More precisely, the “Dogs That Brought the Most Happiness to Mom and Dad” wing of doggy heaven. While very, very sad, I know Robyn’s heart is at peace knowing her beloved Yogi is now free of pain.
I will dearly miss you, Yogs.
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Notes:
- For those who don’t know what a Vienna Sausage is:
- No, Robyn, I never gave him my food. 😉
Masako and Spam Musubi 
From a fellow dog lover, I’m very sorry for the loss of your Yogi.
I appreciate it, sailor.
Looking at the pictures and reading your paragraphs, it’s like flipping through the pages of Yogi’s life. Truer friends are very hard to find.
Isn’t it funny? Dogs love you with all your faults. True friend indeed.
Dogs’ lives are filled with “simple joy”, and if you are lucky, you will be invited to share it. Short lives, yes, but you never forget them.
I agree, sir. While the pain will linger, the happiness they brought you remain with you forever.
I’m crying with all of you, Koji. What a beautiful tribute to a dog that was precious in so many ways. How lucky he was to be so well-loved. Hugs to you all. ❤️
Thank you so much, Jan. It is particularly difficult for my girl as she loves dogs tremendously. She is in mourning.
What a beautiful homage to Yogi. It’s never easy to lose our sweet fur family members. My heart’s with you and your family. ❤
Especially you, Paulette. You have the kindest soul.
You did a wonderful job of sharing about Yogi. You have my sympathy for your loss.
I thank you very much, sir.
Very sad for you all. Until you have lost a faithful pet it is impossible to understand how much part of your life they can be.
Thank you very much, Hilary. The pain is so great when they must leave you but the happiness they brought you stay with you forever. I hope you are progressing well in your project.
Sweet memorial–sweet dog.
Thank you very much, kocart.
I’m so sorry for your loss my friend 😦
Thanks, Andy. My daughter has been hit very hard by her loss. It will take awhile for her to accept it.
So sorry for the loss of Yogi. What a sweetie, I like him just from reading your post!
That was very kind of you. Thank you very much.
You’re very welcome.
Thank you, pop.
We will all miss Yogs, Punkie. You were a great mom.
Ah Koji, I’m so sorry for your daughter Robyn and her family. I’ve always enjoyed his plumped and adorable pictures. I know how much you love your pets, and that they are loved family members. I’m so sorry.
The sorrow will linger for awhile but the happiness he brought Robyn will live on forever in her heart.
Well said Koji.
Beautiful tribute to a much-loved family member. I’m so glad for you all that Yogi could be surrounded by love in his last hours.
Indeed, Su. Both Yogi and my daughter blessed each other with each other’s company.
So sorry for your family’s lost, especially your daughter, Robyn. What wonderful memories you all will share of Yogi for years to come. Your precious photos will be treasures for your whole family. Rest in peace, Yogi.
Thank you for your comforting words, Jeanne Rene…
I am so sorry – as you know we lost two of our furry children this past summer – my heart aches with you and your family. {hugs}
Thank you, Patty. You’re managing your last couple of years with great courage.
A lot of loss but plenty of HOPE!
I’ve passed the word to my wonderful dog, Casey Sr. Long gone but never forgotten. He’ll welcome Yogi up there, make him feel at home.
That was very sweet of you, Jacqui. Thank you very much.
Yogi will be missed, but never forgotten. Kudos to you for preparing such a lovely tribute.
Thank you, “1000”, for taking the time to read about Yogi and leave such kind words…
Sorry for your loss, they leave such a gap when they go!
Indeed they do… but fond memories helps to fill the void. Thank you.
Lucky Yogi to have been loved like this and to have had you do such a wonderful tribute to him…..well done, Koji-san. What a sweet dog!
I wish Robyn the best in this hard time…
Geeez, thank you so much for those comforting words. Our family appreciates them. ☺
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life, Koji. Unconditional love is the gift Yogi gave. It’s tough to lose such a beloved pet, clearly a well-loved and integral part of the family. Sending you, your daughter and the rest of your family my warmest thoughts.
“Unconditional love”. You hit it right on the head, Jeannie. Thank you for your warm thoughts; the grieving still continues for us will for months ahead.
I almost cried as I remembered my childhood dog, she’s a mini pinscher. Very smart little fella and always so lovable. I cried so hard when she died of old age (and maybe too much food since she’s so fat )…
Our pooches stay with us forever… That is a continuation of the love they gave us. I am sorry for your loss from yesteryear yet I’m sure he totally enjoyed your fine cuisine for many years. Who says human food is bad for dogs! ☺
Over the years, I have said goodbye to many of my four-legged friends. I still miss them — no matter how long ago their passing was.
Four-legged friends are members of the family. Period.
Hear, hear!
I am so very sorry for you loss. Such a wonderful tribute to this loyal little soul, may he run his short little legs, all four of them, in the sweet meadows on the Other side.
What sweet thoughts… Thank you. We are still shedding tears and for time to come.
They break our hearts when it is time to say goodbye.