Dwight Hunter Blogs: Puppet 2005-2021

Puppet died April 8, 2021.

November 16, 2005 - April 8, 2021

I was working from home when I noticed that Puppet was struggling walking and keeping his head straight. I knew that he was close to the end. We all knew he was close to the end for a while. He was blind, and for many months, he felt his way down the hallway.

Puppet was a Christmas gift to my wife from Nanny and daughter and was born on the same day as my wife. The kids and family basically grew up with him from middle school through graduate school. On April 8, when we took him to his vet, we knew it was it. He didn't respond to me holding him, his breathing was ragged, his mouth remained partially opened. The vet knew immediately there was nothing that could be done - a blood clot had paralyzed him. He quickly passed away before the second shot was even fully administered.

When COVID-19 sent me home to work in March 2020, Puppet quickly became my office mate sleeping next to my computer chair and listening to my Apple Music playlists on Alexa. But things changed in November as his blindness left him to sleep and mostly stay in one place, by the front door.

Here are my Facebook posts:

April 9

So many Puppet memories over the 15 years, but one that comes to mind today, was seeing the sheer joy on his face as he ran down the hallway when I said “back door.” He knew that meant backyard time! (goodbye Puppet ❤️)

April 24

A big thank you to our local animal clinic who sent a card signed by staff and doctors sending their condolences for Puppet. How cool is that! Some of the staff knew puppet for years. I do miss having him when I am home working—my office mate. 🐾❤️

There must be a lot of dust in the office because it is getting difficult for me to write. Goodbye Puppet - wow do I miss you!