Buford the Literary Dog

  • By: Jessica Faust | Date: Sep 11 2019

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you about the passing of Buford, BookEnds’s literary dog, my running buddy, and best friend to many.

Buford joined our family only five short years ago when we adopted him from St. Hubert’s. A demon while he adjusted to his new home, Buford was known to drag 8-foot rugs throughout the house, snatch purses from unsuspecting guests, and swing from the zipline. Thankfully his antics died down as his sense of security grew. It wasn’t long before he settled into a routine of morning walks, days in the office, and afternoons sitting on lawn chairs.

For the past 4-5 years Buford has lived a normal life with a not-so-normal liver, likely a birth defect. For most of his life, Buford joyfully ate a cocktail of peanut butter coated pills and fancy prescription dog food. And lived a life most any dog would envy.

He spent his days charming assistants, and interns, barking maniacally at the UPS man and occasionally eating a book or shoe (always mine). His summers included trips to the lake, hikes and walks, and always a good nap on the patio.

It was only a short month ago, after returning from a wonderful vacation of lake swimming, boating, and sleeping on the beach we noticed Buford wasn’t himself. Just two weeks after diagnosing him with liver failure, Buford passed.

The offices will be quieter without Buford around, but I am grateful for every moment I had with this dog. One of these days I’ll start running again, but until then I will live life like someone left the gate open. Because that’s what Buford would have wanted.

37 responses to “Buford the Literary Dog”

  1. Avatar Karen E Rosenberg says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. I know he was part of the family. You gave him such a wonderful life ❤️♥️♥️

  2. I’m so sorry. It sounds like you gave him as wonderful
    a life as he gave you. hope your grieving time is filled with the beautiful stories you shared here.
    I’ll miss seeing his pictures with you all.

  3. Avatar Meg says:

    Aw, so sad! Sounds like you gave Buford a great life!

  4. Avatar Kristen says:

    Beautiful tribute to Buford and the love you all shared ❤️ I am so very sorry for this great loss . I will miss seeing his adventures with the Fly Flynns xoxo I will always think of him with a great big smile ((hugs))

  5. Avatar Debbie Zapata says:

    I will picture the open gate. I had dreams that one day I’d meet Buford like an old friend. I am so happy that he had you, your family, the BookEnds family and so many that filled his world to the moon and back. Even from photos, it was clear he was one of a kind. Sweet Buford wishes to all of you.

  6. I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet like Buford. My heartfelt condolences.

  7. Avatar Jill says:

    Oh no! I haven’t had a dog since I was a little kid, but I still remember the hurt of losing Taz. I’m so sorry.

    • Avatar tina sharp says:

      Recently.I lost my dog of 15years there are part of the family my heart goes out for you. I just finished writing her biography I would love to share it.

  8. Avatar Kathy Krevat says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of the joyful life you gave Buford, and the happiness he gave back, help to ease the pain.

  9. Avatar Jill says:

    Oh no! I haven’t had a dog since I was a little kid, but I still remember the hurt of losing Taz. I’m so sorry you have to deal with his loss.

  10. Avatar Martha says:

    I am so sorry for your loss, always enjoyed your stories about him. He was blessed to have you and be so loved.

  11. Avatar krystina kellingley says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. The hardest thing about welcoming an animal into the family is facing their loss. I know he’ll always be in your heart. And I hope he’ll guide you to another deserving animal in time.
    RIP sweet Buford.

  12. Avatar Laurie Wood says:

    There is a certain type of grief that comes with losing a dog or cat. I’m so sorry for your loss. You gave him a wonderful life and eventually there’ll be comfort in those memories.

  13. Avatar L. H. Davis says:

    Sorry for your lose. Nice tribute.

  14. Avatar Lisa says:

    I’m really sorry he’s gone. Sounds like he had a big, wonderful personality, and you all loved him.

  15. I am so very sorry for your loss. Nothing prepares us for the most difficult decision we must make for our “fur babies” He will always be there next to you, next to your chair,at work. Please consider adopting another rescue. We know how much love a rescue has to share.

  16. Avatar Tara Neilson says:

    This made me cry–why do dogs get to us like that? Thank you for rescuing him, I’m glad he had you in his life.

  17. Avatar Doreen Robinson says:

    Heart-broken for you and the Book Ends family. Hope you find comfort and solace in knowing what a wonderful life you provided for him.

  18. I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Buford on your posts, and I know he will be missed.

  19. Avatar Kimberly Fried says:

    So sorry for your loss. We lost a rescue kitten to liver failure. Sound slike Buford got much love in his years with you.

  20. Avatar Nancy Parish says:

    So sorry for your loss. Animals have that special way of leaving their pawprints on our hearts. Take care.

  21. Avatar Greg Blair says:

    What a loving tribute. It’s always so humbling to me when reflecting upon how much our pets gave to us. Let us all hope we gave as much in return.

  22. Avatar Hollie says:

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Dogs fill our lives with light and love, teaching us far more than we teach them.

    Daisy and Harry send their beagle love, my thoughts are with you.

  23. Oh no, I’m so sorry. Seeing pictures of Buford and reading about him in your posts always made me smile. I could tell he was truly loved. He’ll be missed by many.

  24. Avatar Kim Wilson says:

    Your last sentence made me get choked up.

    I laughed at the image of him dragging 8 foot rugs around.

    Those lake trips and naps of the porch sound like he enjoyed life a whole lot and you must have made him very happy. I think where he is now, feeling free and painless, he can pop over to the lake and then pop back to you in your office to watch over you, even if you can’t feel his presence.

    I’m sure he left a big painful hole. It sounds like you loved him very much.

  25. Avatar Kate Douglas says:

    If it’s any condolence, dogs love to chew on things that belong to their favorite people. It’s the scent, I think, but you gave Buford a wonderful life, and I’m so sorry you’ve lost him. He had such an expressive face!

    My best to all of you,
    Kate

  26. I’m so sorry. He was beautiful.

  27. Blessings on you and your remaining family. That Buford dog was one handsome pooch!

  28. Such a handsome soul. Warm hugs for your loss. I have no doubt he was so well loved. And that in itself is such a wondrous thing ❤️

  29. Avatar Michele says:

    So sorry for your loss. Take in all those memories and remember how blessed you were to have each other. Something magical happens when we give our heart to a pet—it’s just too short.

  30. Ugh. Thinking of you on this next new day without him.

  31. Avatar Susan Dormady Eisenberg says:

    Buford was a beautiful dog. I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope that when your grief lessens, you can find comfort in recalling all the joy he brought to your life.

  32. Avatar Katherine Petersen says:

    I’m so sorry. Sending strength and love. I didn’t know Bufod, but I know what it’s like to lose a friend!

  33. Avatar Gail Priest says:

    I’m am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are one of the greatest blessings on earth. Buford will always be in your heart.

  34. Avatar Sharon Ford says:

    I never knew Buford, but every time I visit your website to check out the agents, I smile when I see him. Just today, I said aloud, “I’ll take him,” when I saw his photo. It created a nice connection – “Oh yeah. This is that agency!” I am so sorry for your loss.

  35. Avatar Karen Shaw says:

    Hugs!!!

  36. Avatar Jeanne E Sexson says:

    Just read your tribute to Buford. It was heart-hugging. I sincerely hope memories have been a comfort to you. I have a quote on my desk that helps me when I have a pang of loss. “They aren’t gone. They just aren’t here.” As long as I’m alive, all the little ones throughout my life live in my soul. Bless you and I am so glad you and Buford had each other.