Barthrop Plotkin

I did not know you as the dog who ran marathons with your dad.  Or the dog who played ball endlessly in the park. Nor did i know you as Warrior Dog, protecting your home from all predators, big and small.

I entered your life when it was the most challenging for you. Your world had turned dark, your family had embarked on different journeys, Cushing's disease and arthritis had long ago robbed you of your athletic prowess, and most recently, larangeal paralysis had put you in grave danger.

You were not an affectionate dog as most dogs tend to be, but you resigned yourself to the fact that you were so handsome i could not control MY affections for you. You became my Fluffernutter, my "Magoo", Bartie, my little red haired man.

You were stubborn and unyielding. Until one day, you moved in with me and after all the worrying, all the sleepless nites and panic attacks, all that changed. You loved riding in the car while i tended to all my little "charges". You loved your dad, Oscar. And Nate.  Darby. And in the end, you loved ME too.

You are forever in my heart, my little Fluffer.

Alina 3/21/05