In Memory of "Reddog"; Mayor of Oyster Bay
To all those folks in Oyster Bay who knew and loved him, fed him and gave him places to “ hang-out,” please know that Reddog has passed on. He died one beautiful Saturday morning at the edge of a picturesque lake under a giant Cypress tree---almost like he planned it.
He was the Mayor of Oyster Bay and everybody loved him. Red came from a litter of pups in Spring Creek and initially lived with neighbors who called him “Nilla,” short for Vanilla. He was such a distinctive red in color that people often questioned his Labrador ancestry.
I didn't know his name when he sort of adopted me and started riding-out in my boat and truck with me. He became my best buddy and I, very creatively, called him “Red.” Or if I really wanted his proper attention, I called him Reddog!
My neighbors, who were rich in dogs, were keeping Red for their daughter, who was getting married and would then take Nilla/Red to her home. Somehow, thankfully, that did not workout and my wonderful neighbors gave me permission to call Red my dog (It should be noted that Red owned his own life, and graciously allowed us to share it with him). And he never left again…that is for good. He traveled and visited often. As virtually everyone in Oyster Bay will attest, Reddog was a social animal.
In his day, Red was a big dog. Huge head and thick shoulders. Weighed about 130 pounds in his prime. He was impressive looking, and when he would lie down he would cross his front legs in front of him in a regal and sophisticated manner. Many pictures have been taken of him in that pose.
Many other pictures have been taken of him in his swimming gear when we went scalloping. I bought a large animal life vest for him so he could float with us, but his head weighed so much I also had to add a water ski belt around his neck.
Ultimately he could float around with us as we scalloped, or just idled away the day out at the Ochlocknee Shoals. Red's favorite place was the “cold hole” as he loved the chilly water. On the coldest day of winter Red would break for the Oyster Bay canals and come back all wet with a happy little bounce in his four footed gait.
The boy did not like a storm, though. When it thundered and lightening flashed the skies, Reddog was looking for cover…in the closest house. A neighbor related that he was sitting on his mobile home porch one day when it thundered and he looked up to see Red coming his way. “Hi Red” he said as the boy streaked past him, ran through the screen on the door and jumped squarely onto his couch. Where he stayed until the storm subsided.
Red was incredible intuitive of human behavior, and amazing in many ways. His most endearing trait was the way he would cock his head, raise his ears, and look at you with thoughtful brown eyes when you were talking to him. You knew there was something “intellectual” going on in there.
My big ole red dog was with me for almost 16 years, and when I had to bury him, I covered his grave with as many tears as there was dirt. So, to all who knew and cared for him, a toast to Reddog, the well-lived and loved Mayor of Oyster Bay.
Frank Messersmith
This letter originally published on June 19, 2007.
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