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This dog was special from the beginning because her husband, Tom, graduated from Notre Dame in 1952 and is on its Alumni Association board of directors. But there was more.
DOMER
By Barbara Loosbrock
He was a Golden Domer, a golden retriever with a connection to the golden dome at the University of Notre Dame. He answered to "Domer."
He became a member of our family almost 13 years ago, shortly after we moved to Hilton Head Island. From the beginning, he filled our home with a quality of love that came so easily to him. The constant happiness he projected to all around him was like magic.
His habits became our habits. He would not permit any doors to be closed and he would not allow cross or argumentative words. Arguments were not permitted and controversial discussion had to be phrased in happy, lyrical tones. Tears and unhappiness were not acceptable and when he was aware of them he would come bounding in from another room to put his face on your lap to comfort you.
His vocabulary continued to grow and we found ourselves necessarily spelling words that had special meaning to him: play, ball, Frisbee, go for a walk, car, etc. Eventually, he understood the spellings and the inflections so he knew what was coming next. Things he enjoyed most brought about anxious leaps and much barking. Some might say he was uncontrollable with anxiety at that point.
He loved to play ball and his retriever talents made him beautiful to watch as he leaped and made sensational catches. What is it about an animal's movements that combine such tremendous athleticism with beautiful choreography?
Music also was important to him as it is in our home. He loved to sit by the piano when someone was singing or playing. He simply laid there with his face on his paws and absorbed the sound. It was then that he was most relaxed and peaceful.
His unconditional love, joy of living and happiness were contagious and complementary. When we took our neighborhood walks he thought everyone was his best friend. He felt he was theirs. They could not pet him enough as he sat giving them "the look" with his big brown eyes. Some neighbors would give him a treat, not realizing that he would remember where they lived and would always want to stop for a visit.
Finally his time came. Dr. Rebecca Latham, our veterinarian, was wonderful and came to understand us and our relationship with Domer. As he left us peacefully I sang to him one last time: "Going Home."
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