In memory of our beloved boy Virgil May 5, 2002 – September 10, 2019
Virgil on his 17th Birthday Celebration 2019
Our little old man has passed on. He has now joined his sister Mitzi in a spiritual realm.
Virgil joined us in October of 2002 as a first birthday present of sorts for his older half sister Mitzi. He was from a second litter her mother had from a different father 8 months after her birth. He was an awkward looking puppy that actually seemed as if he might have a slight birth defect. Possibly from an unhealthy mother did who had her litters to close together. The owner of the mother had him left as no one would take him and was about to take him to the humane society. I gave the guy money to have the mother fixed and I brought Virgil home to foster until I could find him a home.
Needless to say he was a hit with Mitzi from moment one.
Virgil and Mitzi circa October 2002
Our Dalmatian, Mattie, was having issues with a rambunctious 5 month old playing with a wild one year old and got snappy with him. I had a favorite line from Greater Tuna that popped out of my mouth when scolding Mattie for scolding the puppies. I sternly warned her and said “Mattie! Quit it now! …. Mattie, I’m gonna knock you into next week!” That line was used by the character Vera Carp in the funeral home scene toward her son Virgil so the original line was “Virgil! quit it now! …”
I don’t know how to cut it out of here but if you just want to see that line, start at 26:00 and run through 28:10. (This is actually the HBO production of the entire play, if you have time it’s fantastic.)
At that moment not only did Virgil now have a name, but he also had a home. That scared little dog that I took from the back seat of the marina dockworker’s car to foster had a forever home where he continued to live a long, happy and very healthy life for the next 16 years and 11 months. His home was right here with us.
Over his years here our family has lost, and our family has grown.
From left to right in front the back are: Betty, Mitzi (deceased June 2019), Abner, Virgil, Phoebe, Patsy and then Gilda (way in the back).
Others that Virgil shared our home with that passed on before him were our beloved Liver spotted Dalmatian Mattie, our sweet Chocolate Lab Diva and the rescue of our senior Border Collie Nina that was featured here on Fearsome Beard in 2014. Right now instead of here in our bed, he is there with his familiar housemates and sister that he hasn’t been with in a while.
Virgil and Mitzi in their golden years.
Virgil was a happy and healthy boy until the very end. Yesterday he was out on our patio sunning with Betty. He was mobile and out their on his own accord. It wasn’t until last night just before bedtime that he showed signs something may be amiss. He lost his balance and couldn’t stand. He was just off balance, we’ve seen that in other older dogs before and seen it pass quickly so we did not worry. We carried him to bed and he actually had a good night. However this morning he worsened and his deterioration was fast and he did not suffer. He died very unexpectedly in my arms.
He had a great life here with us as we had with him.
Virgil after a grooming cuddling with his youngest housemates Betty & Phoebe
Virgil we will forever love you. We will forever be grateful that you were part of our lives. You will live on in us as we share the love you placed into our hearts with all the others we touch.
Virgil, this is not goodbye as we will see you on the other side. Until then continue to share your love with your canine family that has been awaiting your arrival. Your kisses enrich us. Your snuggles comfort us. Your love fills us.
Virgil, I love you, we all love you.
Until then, Godspeed.
Virgil May 5, 2002 – September 10, 2019
Fearsome Beard 
Oh no! Your lovely little V. His turn had to come, but still grievously felt by you and his many admirers round the world. Sleep well, dearest heart. Thank you so much for bringing a bit of light to the world.
Deepest condolences to you and yours, F/b. I hope the others in his ‘pack’ can get over the loss without too much pain.
:`(
dear little virgil. such a cute boy. my condolences, dear fearsome. may you be comforted by the many happy memories you have.
Seventeen years of giving and receiving love – a tribute in itself. And I’m sure he’s telling Mitzi all about what’s happened in the last little while.
Hugs to you. Virgil was the perfect name for him…..he looks like a virgil.
Oh my… so sorry to hear this. Despite our knowledge of their shorter lifespans than ours, we love them ass if they’ll be with us forever. Sending you peace and comfort in this time of grief.
So sorry for your loss. Dogs were put here to show us how big our hearts can really be.
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your loss, how difficult loosing two furry companions in the same year. The tribute to Virgil and the picture in frame #4 says in all though. What a great picture of all of them. The pac loved by their alfa. All we can do is love them. Big Hugs. Ed
Hello, I just found your blog and am really enjoying it. I read this post, and wanted to tell you that I sincerely feel for you and your loss. It’ll be quite the celebration when we are all reunited with our animal spirit buddies again. J
I am so sorry to hear this. He was such a cutie, and I’m glad you were the one who gave him a forever home. (((hugs)))
I got tearful reading this. There is no love like a pet; no sorrow like their departure. I am glad you two had each other; I am glad to read the comments to see you are surrounded by love.