TW: pet loss
It is only fair I get better at posting trigger warnings since I can’t even get through a damn sitcom without checking the Does the Dog Die website. I promise this story will be worth it Friends.
Brittany and Brando
One of my first and favorite memories at Westgate Animal Clinic is seeing Kelani and Amanda giving subcutaneous fluids to this ridiculously gorgeous and ancient something mix of a dog.
He came in for outpatient treatments weekly, and EVERYONE cheered him on every time. Some dogs need snacks to get through vet visits. Some need pats. Some need praise about how brave they are. This one needed - and deserved - and got - ALL of it.
Brando with his Good Friend Jolie, photo courtesy of Jolie
With his front legs straight out beside him and the whole team cheering him on, he looked like a Pug with something else beautiful and mysterious about him. (The beautiful and mysterious I’ve heard rumored was Bulldog…)
Brando and Brittany - Brando was the FIRST patient of the new surgery room <3
This dog was Brando, and for me it was love at first sight, as it was for everyone who met him.
Baby Weston got to meet Brando twice! Jolie with Kelani’s beautiful baby boy Weston and Brando, photo courtesy of Kelani
That day, someone (I didn’t have all the names down yet but odds are 100% it was someone awesome because…this team) - anyways, someone said, “We should make Brando t-shirts!”
After all of us saying that periodically over a couple years, I said, “Let’s make shirts for Brando’s 17th birthday!”
What an expressive face - you never needed to wonder what Brando was feeling! Photos courtesy of Jolie
As we were planning the t-shirt project, Dr. Petersen stepped out of the surgery room - his favorite room in the WORLD - at work at least - and said, “Oh no! What happened to Brando?!”
Dr. Petersen NEVER uses exclamation marks. They were warranted. Everyone loves Brando.
“Nothing!” I said. “His birthday is just coming up!”
A sweet homemade card from a very nice person at Stan’s (usually known as “Brando’s Dad) work - up on the fridge in the kitchen at Westgate Animal Clinic
When I ran the shirt idea past Amy, looking to borrow her creative genius as we started what I assumed would be a months long arduous process…Amy showed up four seconds later (seriously less than a week!) with a box of perfect Brando shirts for all! Including one for Brando’s Dad and one for a sweet person he works with who had stopped by with him once with donuts and a homemade thank you card for the team.
box of brand new Brando shirts
We wore our beautiful t-shirts every Wednesday when Brando came in and randomly through the week. Wouldn’t you? Just look at that face.
Brando making the rounds - including Westgate Animal Clinic - on his 17th birthday, photo courtesy of Westgate Animal Clinic
Brando’s Dad reported he had the best of birthdays. So many friends. So many snacks. That will always make me happy.
Brando and Stan, photo courtesy of Amanda and Jolie
Brando continued to age of course. Soon every week seemed to bring new or worsening issues. He - and his Dad - handled it all with grace and humor.
One time when Brando was at the top of his game, at the age of 16, Brando’s Dad told me that some of his coworkers were telling him Brando had had a good long life.
“Do you know what I told them?”
“What?” I asked.
“I said, ‘I will punch you in the face!’”
I laughed. This big tough guy would no sooner hit anyone than I would. “The ONLY right response!” I said.
Recently Brando did pass. With his amazing Dad and friends and the Westgate team by his side and ALL the snacks.
Tara and Brando on his last day - Tara also had a very sad day and was still there for Brando and his family - my veterinary colleagues will always amaze me with their endless compassion even in the face of their own grief <3 Photo courtesy of Amanda
Brando, I am so very lucky to have joined your team and to have known you and your Dad. Our Brando shirts will always make us smile even though we are so very sad now too.
Bennet mentioned that he did not know what to do with his favorite shirt now - I suggested we all wear them in memory of Brando, The Best Dog.
You made the world - and our corner of it - so much better Good Boy, and we will always miss you.
