R.I.P. Fry (2006-2020)

Fry died yesterday afternoon. I was able to be there with my Mom and Dad while he took his last breaths. It was very sad. He was a wonderful dog.

Karissa and I convinced my Mom to get a dog back in 2006. We determined that a Sheltie was too small and a Collie too big – so found a breeder that sold Co-Shelties – a mix of Collies and Shelties. Perfect!

We named him Fryan as a replacement to me, Ryan, after I moved out after college. I lived at home during college – so was able to spend the first 3 years of Fry’s life with him.

He was an awesome dog.

What started as a joke became a tradition. We gave him a spot at the dinner table with his own plate! When it was time to eat, he knew he had to jump up into his chair and would get scraps of food on his plate.

During prayers before eating, Fry barked the entire time. He didn’t bark before or after, but somehow knew a prayer was going on. We liked to think it was his way of talking to God.

He was a smart dog. He passed dog school with the basics of come, stay, and heel – but also learned a few tricks. He could flip a treat from on top of his nose into his mouth. He could play dead when “shot” by a finger gun. And he could roll over.

Somewhere along the way, he chose my Dad as his favorite person. When my Dad drove onto our street, Fry knew it and would start barking and waiting very impatiently by the door. His normal obedience to orders went out of the window with my Dad around.

But he always made sure to be a nice dog to everybody. He loved kids, though could get jealous of the attention.

His first interaction with a baby: My mom had a friend and her baby over. My mom was holding the baby for a bit before giving it back to the mother. Fry then jumped into her arms and wanted to be held like a baby.

Adelaide absolutely loved Fry. By the time she was born, he was an older, slower dog. He couldn’t run away from her like our dogs – so he had to put up with things she wanted to do to dogs. Luckily for him, that means lots of hugs and care from Doctor Adelaide and her kit of medical toys.

Fry was always in the middle of the kids playing when they were at Grandma & Grandpa’s house.

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Fry enjoyed being with our dogs too. They got along great – though our dogs wish Fry was more nimble and able to play and chase more with them.

One fall night back in 2012 or so, Fry spent the night at our house while my parents were away. It was one of those crisp, cool nights where you want to smell the dying leaves, so we had the sliding door open. After an hour or so, we realized we hadn’t seen Fry in a while. We looked inside and outside and couldn’t find him. We circled the neighborhood, slightly panicking. Then got in our cars and expanded the search area. With one last hope, I drove to my parents house about a mile away. There was Fry sitting on the front porch. I guided him into the car, relieved. We didn’t tell my parents. Until yesterday afternoon when we were sharing Fry memories.

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It’s hard to lose a dog. They live with you for so long and show you nothing but loyalty. They’re family for sure.

When I came home yesterday after saying goodbye to Fry, our dogs sensed the sadness and came over to be petted and show affection. Dogs can sense when we’re sad and want to help us through it.

My parents have a lot of big adjustments to make now without a dog. After eating dinner last night, they set down their plates for Fry to lick before realizing he was no longer there.

Every time they hear the mail being dropped into their mailbox, there won’t be barking. A knock at the door or ring of the doorbell…no more barking. And the scratches on their front door from Fry wanting to see outside will always remind them of him.

Goodbye, Fry. You were a great dog and friend. We will miss you.

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