Lambeau's Journey

by Bob & Kay
(Tucson, Arizona)

It is with a sad heart that we had to say goodbye to our little traveling companion, Lambeau.

Last year may have been an omen in that he required two separate and unrelated trips to a pet emergency center. More recently, we noticed that he was eating less and losing weight.

He was, after all, approaching the 15 year point, so not altogether surprising that his pep, interests, and intake would ebb as well. Not much is known about the first leg of his journey other than he was found by animal control on the streets of Nogales, Arizona, and turned over to a rescue facilitator for dogs.

We adopted him in 2012 when he was estimated to be about two. The story actually began when we were invited by dog foster-family friends to drop by and see their recently arrived re-homing candidates, including a couple of our past favorites known to have miniature poodle heritage.

While we were sitting in the living room, one of the hosts opened a patio door and in came several small, energetic dogs—one of which hopped up on Bob’s lap and seemed to say “let’s go.” The hosts urged us to take him home just for the weekend and see if he would make a good fit.

In short, he bonded quickly with us as well as with Bob’s dad, who had started living with us earlier that same year. In that respect it seems like Lambeau chose us for the second major leg of his journey.

Lambeau loved Hill’s Scientific brand dog food and became a fan of cheese, bacon, eggs, and other people-food. He enjoyed going for walks, meeting people along the way, sniffing trees, chasing other dog park visitors, and going for rides in any vehicle, especially the motorhome.

As a seasoned traveler, he logged thousands of road miles. He joined us on rallies in Arizona, braved a smokey trip through the western provinces of Canada near the end of wildfire season, and left his mark in dozens of states going to and from Wisconsin. When home, Lambeau loved the quiet warmth of Kay’s meditation and quilting room where he would hang out at her side—or in anticipation of her return.

When we took him in for his annual checkup this spring, the veterinary clinic conducted several routine tests and reported that his kidneys were in the process of shutting down. More disturbing was the prognosis that he might have from one to five weeks left.

They offered a range of comfort treatment options. After getting over the initial shock, we opted for a series of injections designed to hydrate and lighten his kidney load. After four treatments it was apparent his condition was in serious decline.

Although the clinic said other options were possible, the invasive nature of an operation would be better tolerated by much younger patients. After considering the impact on Lambeau’s comfort and remaining quality of life, we were faced with the agonizing decision of letting him go peacefully.

The clinic staff was caring and compassionate throughout the process, arranged for his cremation, and returned his ashes in a small container labeled with his name and the date, April 10, 2025.

Lambeau was a sweet and lovable dog who gave us much joy. He continues to be remembered in several subtle ways. His photos bring back many vivid memories. His green and gold ID tag reminds us how he was named. And, now that his ashes have been spread throughout the garden, his journey will continue to live on in our hearts.

We were blessed to have Lambeau in our lives and will certainly miss him.