Tribute To Pongo
Pongo was more than just another adorable Dalmatian; he was a friend to everyone who ever met him. Pongo was the official mascot for the Newington Fire Department, Newington CT.
Pongo was rescued from the local pound when his family gave him up to the streets. Little did they know that after 10 years of being a member of the fire department he would be voted the best appearing Dalmatian in numerous parades and the Best Dalmatian for the fire service in the state of Connecticut.
Pongo spent his days visiting the schools during Fire Prevention week, greeting visitors at the fire house, marching in parades all over the state and occasionally responding to fire calls with me.
Children loved him as much as he loved them. Children would color pictures of him and drop them off at the station and spend time with him. Parents loved Pongo equally as much. Pongo became an icon in the town.
Word reached far and wide about Pongo. People from all over would ask what breeder he came from so they came get a puppy just like Pongo. One day I received a call from Connecticut Magazine. They heard about Pongo and his girl friend Perdy, our other Dalmatian. They wanted to do an article on them and how they became so loved in the town.
Pongo was so loved that on weekends when I was out in the front yard working people would stop in just to pet him and spend time getting to know him. Pongo had many friends, he also had equally as many nick names. He was called Ping Ping, Ding Ding, Big Boy, Ding-A-Ling, and last but definitely not the least "Shadow".
He was my Shadow. Everywhere I went, he was two steps behind me. He would even follow me into the shower if I let him. He slept every evening on his pillow next to me. When I would leave for either work or fire calls Pongo would spend his time waiting at the back door for my return.
Pongo was one of the smartest dogs I have ever known. He would howl when my fire tones go off; he knew my company's tones over all the others. Six other company tones would sound but he wouldn't say a word until my tones went off. If I was outside and the phone rang he would come and bark to let me know the phone was ringing. He was amazing.
When Pongo was diagnosed with cancer my world came crashing to a screeching halt. I did all I could to help him with his pain and suffering. It wasn't long until it came to the point where I know that Perdy would be just as affected by Pongo passing as much as his family.
I had do find Perdy a companion to help with her loneliness that would set in once Pongo left. I spent many a night looking all over for the perfect companion - a Dalmatian of course. One night I came across Dalmatian Rescue in Miami, Fl. www.dalmatianrescue.com. I searched their listings and found Viking. He seemed to be the best candidate for Perdy. Shortly after filling out the application Viking was on a plane to CT.
I wanted Viking to know Pongo; I wanted Pongo to teach Viking all he could before he left us. Pongo, even though he was doing his best to be himself, taught Viking where to do his business outside, where to sleep each night. Pongo even corrected Viking when he would jump on to the counter to see what was for dinner.
Perdy and Viking hit it off wonderfully. Pongo did a great job teaching Viking about his new home and how to have manners. Pongo finally reached the point where he couldn't function normally. I had to make the toughest decision of my life, whether to let Pongo continue on the medication or to let him rest.
I took Pongo to our vet and had his pain taken away. He fell asleep in my arms, as I cried like a baby until I couldn't cry any more. Pongo was truly a man's best friend. He was my best friend. Viking's name was changed to Milo and he has been a wonderful addition to our family. He has helped each of us with our loss.
Perdy is doing well. I still get people stopping by both at the fire house and at home to see Pongo but when I tell him at he has passed away they too are saddened. That's when I usually introduce Milo and with Milo's silly puppy-like actions, his love for children and his playfulness their faces soon brighten up.
Milo has taken Pongo's seat at the firehouse; his first parade was this past Memorial Day. Milo did the best anyone could ever do at his young age of 11 months old. He made the local paper, picture and all. The paper mentioned Pongo's passing and welcomed Milo to town.
Pongo will never be forgotten; neither will all his silly grunting, yawns and squeaking noises he made. Even today I still look behind me hoping that he would be there but instead I see little Milo looking at me. Thank you to Pati and everyone like her that goes above and beyond for all the Pongo's, Milo's and Perdy's that need a home.
