A Tribute to Poochie, 1944-1956

In 1944, my parents purchased a family pet that we named Poochie. Poochie, the $5 mix Fox Terrier, survived Distemper, being hit by a taxie (twice), burned by paper boy (who used to throw fire crackers at him when he delivered our newspaper, and living near the only highway leading in and out of Cleveland, TN.

We operated a farm on this property in the early years, but later, we dismantled the farm and Dad went to work as a salesman...meaning Dad was gone from home most of the time. Due to a very good living from his sales, we migrated to Florida.

By this time, Poochie was about 10 years old. Poochie lived a few more years, before he was hit by a speeding car as Poochie followed my brother and I to a corner store to get some things for my Mom...you know, bread, milk, and cigarettes (OLD GOLD REGULAR).

We buried Poochie in a pine chest my brother had made in school shop class and our neighbor built Poochie this "grave marker". This marker has traveled back to Tennessee with my Mom when my Dad died... and traveled with my Mom to San Antonio, TX.

Now Poochie's grave marker rests just outside my dog runs as part of a lasting memory to Poochie. Although we have a pet cemetary on the ranch, this just did not seem fitting to Poochie.

As in life, also in death...our pets are still First!!!

Rest in Peace...Poochie

Send your correspondence to Mary A. Bengel

The best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of its master.