The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture.

It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce to the world the passing of a kindred spirit. Buster, my brother’s Australian Cattle dog, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 12. I cannot say how shocked I am as are the rest of my family. I come from a small family so our animals are woven into the fabric like other family members. When I think of Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner at my brother’s house, it is always connected in some way with the dogs. They are part of those thoughts; those memories. His passing is a grief for us all (I hold a tear in my eye now writing this and looking at his picture).

Buster was a great dog and a good companion for my brother. With an easy going disposition and an almost cartoon-like look to himself, he fit right in. Always ready to play or to be hugged, Buster was a dog full of happiness. I will miss the way he earned his nickname, “The Spin Doctor”, the way in which he’d twirl around and around when he got excited. An athletic dog, Buster could run like the wind - I would often say he was part gazelle.

Good-bye, Buster. You will be sorely missed by all of us. You were a great dog, a great friend and they broke the mold when they made you. We will all miss your friendly smile.

Buster is survived by his sister, Shazam, and his father, Mike.