In Memoriam. Across the Rainbow Bridge
Champion Double Ring Oz The Magnificent
16 April 2001 – 17 July 2013
A Tribute by owner, Johnny Bridges
We waited to get him, the initial litter didn’t have a boy who was necessarily “show grade.” And when the ‘O’ litter appeared, we waited another week, because at 8 weeks, “He’s not quite ready to leave Mama yet”.
Nine weeks later, I drove up to Missouri and got him late one Saturday morning. A white ball of fluff with happy black eyes and an inquisitive black nose.
He was into everything in the van on the way home, stopping every so often to find his stuffed monkey and shaking it thoroughly.
Off we went to puppy class, then to conformation class, and then out into the world. And to the occasional show… until the terrible day he sneaked out unseen with me and got in front of a car. Both bones in his front leg were broken!
I had to call and tell Kathy “I nearly got your dog killed”. A genius vet named Myron Downs put his leg back together, and after six weeks or so, he started walking on it again. Shortly after, he behaved as though it never happened.
He was our second Kuvasz and our first show dog. He made the Standard by half an inch, with a beautiful flowing gait. Nice black nails and a coat “to die for.”
Eventually in Greenville, he finished his Championship.
We acquired a cat, Macavity, from Maine Coon Rescue and as any new cat will, he disappeared under a bed. But, cat food receded in the dish, and there was evidence of a cat in the litter box.In just three days, we found the cat curled up next to Oz sleeping. There were two dead mice in front of his nose. And Macavity became “his cat’” forever.
Duke joined our pack, and later The Jazzman. But he still led when guarding was required.
Gradually, he let the younger boys take the lead normally, but never relinquished point when danger was about.
Slow to get up, loss of mass in his back leg muscles, and a bit of gauntness in his muzzle. His eyes began to cloud a little. Still he kept the lovely smooth movement, floating around the yard slowly. His checkup showed an enlarged testicle, so he was neutered the next morning. He recovered easily, and kept his appetite and calm demeanor. We dodged another bullet.
Now, he’s gone.
The fluid movement is stilled, the happy eyes are closed forever.
Our world is a darker place.
Macavity has searched the house for his puppy, and repaired to his crate to wait for his return.
We have his ashes coming. At some point , we’ll figure where they ought to go and take them there.
Champion Double Ring Oz The Magnificent
Semper Fidelis!
