Here is a lovely tribute from Bump’s (fka Major Tom) mom: I had wanted to adopt a dog for years, but my partner had never had a dog before, so I knew I needed to get things right in our search for a perfect companion. I thought maybe we’d adopt a dog anywhere from 3-5 years old to make sure I didn’t traumatize my partner with the puppy phase. We decided to go to an open house at Muttville just to meet some dogs, and while we were there some volunteers told us about the most charming dachshund that we absolutely had to meet. Everyone also had only great things to say about adopting a senior dog as their first dog.
We sent in an application and got to meet Bump for the first time a few days later in his foster’s backyard. He walked right up to us and took in all the pets he could get. When it was time for us to leave, he even tried to follow us out of the yard. I was hooked on his big brown eyes and his velvety soft ears. We knew right away that he was the dog for us, and we got to take him home later that week.
Bump was the perfect dog from the moment we brought him home. He walked amazingly on his leash and always knew to signal when he had to go potty. After eating breakfast and dinner, he’d come to me at my desk to do little tippy-tappies until I held him for a little bit. Then he’d happily settle back in for his post-eating snooze. He had the best old man snores and was always ready for an indoor game of short range fetch. He wanted to make best friends with every cat he met, and once even got an apprehensive nose boop of approval from the neighbor cat. Bump’s favorite food was pulled pork, which he’d happily beg for by sitting back on his hind legs like a little meerkat.
Bump could always be found peeking around corners. No matter where I was in the apartment, I knew I would find just two little eyes peeking around a doorway keeping an eye on me. Bump also always made sure to bring one of his favorite stuffed toys to bed with him before he was ready to settle in for bedtime.
I will remember watching my partner’s baseball games with Bump and wheeling him around our block in his really cool stroller, complete with a “Bump” license plate. Even in his last few weeks with countless vet appointments, he was the most patient and brave boy and the kindest, sweetest soul. Saying goodbye to him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I miss him every day. My partner and I are eternally grateful for the time that we got to spend with him, and we are especially thankful for him being the best first dog ever. We truly hit the jackpot, and Bump will be in our hearts forever.
Major Tom is a major hunk! Tom is a happy easy going guy who brings a smile to everyone’s face with his little waddle and wagging tail. He enjoys the company of people and dogs, and is happy to greet everyone to say hi. He won’t be running a marathon anytime soon, but he does have great pep for a senior boy with short legs. Major Tom would make a wonderful addition to any home.
7/25/23
