Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Brassy was pound for pound the greatest hound dog the world has ever seen. He pursued food with ingenuity, stealth and sheer athleticism. Once Marcia and I picked up a Carnegie Deli corned beef sandwich for Vicky, who was convalescing and had expressed that somewhat out-of-character craving. Before I had two feet in the door Brass charged like a wounded tiger and leaped impossibly high, given his short legs and considerable girth. I pulled my arm up in the nick of time, saving Vicky's lunch, but Brass earned my eternal respect that day. RIP, Brassy. We'll miss you.

Brass's story brought bake lovely memories of our wonderful "Puppy" - a mixed breed terrier of dubious parentage and who blessed our lives for 19 years. She, too, was a serious eater, and our favorite Puppy story is the year that she was left in our van with a gift wrapped FIVE POUND box of See's Candy for approximately two minutes, while I stepped out of the van to mail some letters. In that two minutes, Puppy managed to open the box of candy and devour every single piece! Thank God she was not chocolate sensitive. We took her to the vet, who said basically to wait and see what happens. What happened was that Puppy went home and slept for about two days straight and following that short rehab period, was fine. I'd like to say she never tried to eat any more candy, but that would be a lie, since no food was safe from her skinny little terrier self. I still miss her very much twenty-five years later.
Thank you for the lovely story.

My favorite obit ever. May we all be remembered for such a well lived life.

I once walked into Ed and Vicky's kitchen and caught Brass actually pushing a chair closer to a counter so that he could climb up and reach some food!

A sandwich "shared" with Brass always tasted better. I hope he's sharing one with Jasper right now.

My sincere condolences.

When I lost my dog, it took me ages to finish a whole sandwich by myself...he knew he would always get the last bite, and would wait patiently for it.

I am so sorry for your loss and hugged Wags a bit closer tonight, Losing a pet is not easy and my heart is with you!. Doesn't make it any easier, but on reading the above - lots of us care!

PS, my daughter has a black lab that does the dishes too. It's a trip to watch.

Oh, Ed... My heart goes out to you and your family. I have my own furry "first rinse cycle" and he's 12. He, too, is a Serious Eater my BF insists I turned him into an Italian because his favorite food is bread - The crustier the better.

(((Hugs to you.))) And all who know this kind of hurt.

I'm so sorry. I had to put my dog to sleep about 1 month ago also. I feel your pain.

My heart goes out to you. That picture was priceless! My basset hound China and our Siamese Mix cat Yummy are serious eaters and have formed a rare bond. When China spots anything up high on the counters that she wants to eat.......she communicates with Yummy. Next thing you know, that loaf of bread, box of crackers, bag of cookies, is on the floor and China is having a blast! The cat looks at me like she knows nothing about the food on the floor, and China revels in her momentary glory. Of course, they wait until there is no one in the room before swinging into action.

My cat and I are very sorry for your loss. How brave of you to let him go when the time was right.

Ed, So sorry for your loss, but it sounds like Brass found the right home for himself for all those years! Beagles are notorious 'Serious Eaters' by nature and I'll bet he found himself some very tasty treats. We've raised and shown beagles for many years now, and are on our 5th generation of those who climb into the dishwasher. Been fortunate not to have anyone jump onto the dining table yet, but did have one who'd reach far enough to grab an entire roast off the platter right in front of us. Beagle's are the best, I'll give ours a hug, and a bite of rib eye, for you!

So sorry Ed...I know what a big loss this is.

I'm so very sorry. I had to put my dog Aussie to sleep a little over 2 months ago, and I know how much it hurts. They may tell you when they're ready, but we can never be ready to say goodbye. Be kind to yourself, and let yourself grieve. And definitely honor Brass's memory the best way you can.

Aussie had a set of stealth lips/teeth too. She once ate all of a cookie while it was being held except for a little 1/2 moon around the fingers. My friend was quite surprised when he lifted his hand to eat the cookie and found nothing there! And cheese? No cheese was safe from her stealth maneuvers.

You can't help but be proud when your dog has an excellent palate. :) It means we've taught them well.