Wilbur Otis Eugene Snugglebuns

I'm copying the web page I put together for Wilbur the day of his death nearly 8 years ago. I still cry thinking of this special dog. He was truly one of a kind. His sudden death was made more painful by the fact that he only had five good months in his whole entire life - the last five months he had with me. It is so true that rescue dogs appreciate what they have, especially when, like Wilbur, they had so little before.

Little did I know on November 29, 2001, when I went to the Gaines Street shelter in San Diego, that the dog I was picking up at the shelter's request was going to steal my heart.

Wilbur's photo taken 11/29/01 after he was
rescued from the shelter.

Wilbur had been turned in to the shelter by his owner, who was moving. His coat was thin and he was very underweight. Wilbur's owners had left his severely infected ears untreated for years, causing extensive scarring and growth of cartilage.
He also had a large tumor on his ear and one on his bottom which we had removed.

Wilbur after his bath, 12/01/01. He loved to lie upside down for tummy rubs (and for being blown dry too!)

Wilbur had been adopted once, but returned after less than a week. His owner didn't want to provide care for his ears....the lamest excuse yet. However, I'm so glad she did, as Wilbur was meant to be mine, even for such a short time.

Wilbur knew who he had to win over in order to get to be a permanent resident of Golden Acres. Taken 12/30/01, a month and a day after he was rescued from the shelter.

Soon it was very apparent Wilbur was meant to stay with us. He melted into my arms when I'd give him hugs, and always wanted to cuddle and touch.

Working from home one day, I decided to do my reading in bed. Coral and Wilbur decided to join me and snuggle while taking their nap.

Wilbur also loved to sleep on doggy beds too.

Wilbur and his bowl on the doggy bed, taken 12/31/01.

He thought new beds were great.

Recently we bought some new orthopedic doggy beds. Wilbur tried this one out before we even got it in its place!

Wilbur loved to lay in front of the fire place, even if no fire was going.

Banjo and Wilbur, 1/6/02

One of my favorite pictures of Wilbur, taken 12/30/01, in front of the cozy fireplace.

Wilbur was also a very distinguished gentleman.

Coral and Wilbur dress up for the camera
February 16, 2002.

And a very silly boy

Taken 5/13/02, two days before he died in emergency surgery for gastric torsion.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

To my my little Snugglebuns, Wilbur:
Our time together was so short. I'm so sad I couldn't have been your mommy for your first 9 years of life. But I loved you with all of my heart for the five months you were mine. You have touched a part of me that will always belong to you. I'm so sorry we have to part for now, but I will be spending the rest of my life looking forward to the time when we will be together again. I love you so much my silly little boy. Love, Mommy.