When I first met my friend Kay Wortman, I quickly found out that she was an upbeat and bubbly lady.
We hit it off right away over the phone and decided that I would meet her at her home to discuss our first radio show together. Carol Daniel had already been at KMOX for many years and she would lead our session of “Between Friends” on select Saturdays on KMOX.
Before I came to Kay’s home that cool fall day, she told me of one of the loves of her life.
“His name is Bubba and I have had him for 15 years. He is the pride and joy of my and my husband’s lives,” she remarked.
Upon entering Kay’s home, a small, furry, white, fluffy dog approached me and barked and barked until I said, “Hello Bubba.”
“He likes attention,” Kay commented
As we entered the family room, I noticed a fluffy blanket set up nicely, and a wet vac in the corner.
Kay pointed and told me the blanket was for Bubba – and so was the wet vac.
“I understand the blanket, but the wet vac?” I questioned her.
Kay smiled and said, “Bubba is getting older and can’t always make it outside to relieve himself, so sometimes he has accidents. I vacuum up any accidents he may have – after all, it’s just carpet.”
From that point on, whenever we thought something was trivial or something we shouldn’t worry about, we would say, “It’s just carpet.”
Kay explained to me how Bubba lost the use of one of his hind legs and has to drag them when he walks or runs. She told me that other than that, he was in great spirits and loved people.
I found Bubba to be charming – even my children ran to see him whenever we would visit.
Recently, Kay told me Bubba was slowing down. She had even stopped traveling as much so she could be home with him more.
Then one day, I got a call from Kay – through her tears and pain, she told me that Bubba was gone. He had died the night before.
I felt so bad for my friend and her loss. She told me she was at peace because she knew Bubba was not in any more pain.
I am glad I had a chance to meet Bubba and to watch Kay in action. I have never seen a “mother” of a pet dog so loving and caring. Bubba had a good life, and will be missed.
Whenever my children make a spill on our floor or make a mistake, I still remember: “It’s only carpet.” Thanks Bubba.
Cassandraism: Sometimes loved ones come with four legs and a tail.
Thanks for sharing.
