Page last updated on Saturday, March 31, 2007.
We received, via e-mail the following letter from Brady himself:
Dear Oldies But Goodies,
I just wanted to touch bases with you about my current living environment. I am actually being quite successful in breaking in my new owner. He approached me from behind the first day and scared me, but since then, he's done very well and appears quit sensitive to my needs.
There was an immediate job opening at my new home, so I took over the patrol duty. I quickly learned how to use my pet door and have kept it very busy as I am constantly checking out the perimeter of the property. Neighborhood cats had free run of my fish pond, so I've nipped that in the bud. Squirrels had eaten every tomato and pumpkin in the garden until my arrival ... again ... this behavior has been terminated. There are now baby tomatoes and pumpkins once again growing.
Sometimes I sit on the deck, under the ceiling fan, and survey the perimeter from a more comfortable environment. During the day, I spend most of my time on the sofa, sleeping. In the evening, I play ball, chase Him, and sometimes he chases me. Generally, I don't let him out of my sight (in case he needs adult supervision).
I was an angel at bath time last week -- he clearly had never witnessed such a patient bather. Ditto for the little trim I got. His vet said he had done a "very good job" of picking me (like he had a choice when I cocked my head at PetCo that day!?). She didn't have to tell him I was probably between 3 and 4, though. I thought my "puppy-like" traits had him pretty well fooled. Oh well, no big deal -- he's no spring chick himself.
I started sleeping at the foot of the bed, but that got old. I have my own pillow I use sometimes, but often I just sleep sideways in the bed until He gets out and comes around to the other side and starts over.
He had another cocker spaniel in his life before me and I think she broke him in pretty good. She had a lot of health problems but gave him the immeasurable love and companionship that only a cocker can do. I'm grateful for her opening the door and preceding me. I plan on continuing the tradition.
I'll write and send a pic soon!
Love,
Brady Sullivan
----Update -- February 2004----------------------
Brady lost his eyesight last August from Sudden Acquired Retinol Degeneration. I understand it is a rare condition where the rods and cones in the retina deteriorate at an amazing rate, leaving them without sight in a matter of hours or a day or two. I took him to the doctor as soon as I noticed he was not catching his treats, but it was too late-no known cause, no known cure.
I was heartbroken but quickly learned that it was more of a 'hurt' to me than to him. He leads a perfectly normal life, still using his pet door and navigating around the house like a pro. He finds his way to bed each night and to the sofa each evening to cuddle and 'watch' TV. His toys all have more extensive noise makers and he enjoys playing with them and rough-housing with me. He loves as much as ever and our trust level has grown tremendously. It amazes me constantly the lessons we can learn from our 'best friends'.
Thanks again for all the great work you do!
Ron Sullivan