RIP Odysseus, Goofy Poop Eater Extraordinaire

 

This week my dad had to lay his dog to rest. And while he was most definitely my dad's dog, I'd like to think I was the dog's fun uncle. 

Until my dad left Alaska, it wasn't uncommon for me to take Odysseus on long walks on the wooded trails of east Anchorage, especially in the early years of Odysseus's life when I live on that side of town and before I had a dog of my own. 

I'm not gonna lie, Odysseus wasn't the smartest dog I've ever known. Not the dumbest either, but certainly closer to the latter than the former. But what he may have lacked in brain power, he more than made up for with enthusiasm. I'm pretty sure given the chance, he'd have kept on walking/hiking with me until the end of time. He'd also have taken every chance he could have to eat any moose poop he found on the trail - that's just how he was. 

I always kind of wondered how well he'd remember me after my dad moved out of state. In fall of 2024, I got that answer and it appeared he remembered me quite well. And even though he'd undoubtedly aged, in many ways he still seemed like that same youthful dog ready for adventure that I'd known years ago. I was really hoping I'd get another chance to see him too, but life (and death) rarely keeps to the schedule we wish it to. 

Anyways, there's not too much else to be said for Odysseus right now. Wish I had more pictures of him. Both the pics here are from the last time I saw him and all the other pictures I'd taken of him over the years are on a hard drive that won't boot up. C'est la vie. For now, this little spot I can give for his memory on the internet will have to do.