08/20/2023
Growing up as a kid I was petrified of dogs. I used to cross the street when I saw a dog coming. Fast forward to a Sunday afternoon in May of 2006. I was living in Upstate New York at the time. I was going to a Dick’s Sporting Goods in a strip mall on the Vestal Parkway to buy my brother a birthday gift. Next door to Dick’s there was a pet store. For whatever reason, I felt the urge to walk into Pet Depot that day to check out the puppies. I left the store having left a $200 deposit on you. I never told you, but you were on sale. The next day I went into work and asked my assistants “should I get a puppy?”. They were all super excited as we all rushed to see you on our lunch break that day. They convinced me to get you. That evening after work, I headed to the pet store to bring you home. I called my best friend and told him “you have 5 minutes to convince me not to get a dog.” He didn’t persuade me otherwise.
That night I went online and ordered two books about raising a dog. I never had to open either of them. For the first couple of days, I called you Max until I realized that Gimmel was the perfect name for you. To my close friends, you were known as Dr. Gimmel Goldberg, the cardiologist. You were the perfect dog and the best companion for seventeen and a half years.
You used to enjoy chasing orange city buses and mopping the floor with your body on cold ceramic floors. People used to get a kick out of watching me drag you along. You loved to smell everything and anything. I used to think you were a botanist. You would go up to everyone at the Grove to introduce yourself and you used to love jumping up next to anyone trying on a pair of shoes in the Nordstrom’s shoe department. I adored passing out on the couch on a Sunday afternoon while watching football with you on top of me. You were a heavy snorer. I’m pretty sure you never managed to get into football the way I wanted you to. Even as a puppy you were never the best walker. At a young age, I started walking you off leash. People used to stop me all the time concerned for your safety. I was never concerned. They didn’t know what we knew.
You were loved by everyone who knew you. Your big bright eyes made everyone smile and warmed hearts. You taught me so much about love, life, responsibility and compassion. It’s hard to believe that there will be no more walks, no more chicken treats and no more cuddles. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Good night Gimme. I love you.
