I cannot imagine committing to buy a puppy without seeing the animal and if possible the sire and dam. OTOH, a rescue (or adoption of an older dog) is a different thing. My last two Basenjis came to me sight unseen, and turned out to be wonderful dogs, but the breeders I got them from wanted to place their dogs in an experienced Basenji home, and I only paid the cost of getting the dogs to me. One came by air, one was personally transported to me by his breeder. If she hadn't been happy with what she found I expect she would have taken him back with her when she left. I also had to commit to return him if ever I couldn't keep him. Good breeders care about where their dogs end up.
Goodbye, Grampa Ebert
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On a more somber note, I received news on Monday that Clarence "Grampa" Ebert passed away at the age of 77. He was fighting a battle with cancer that it seemed he was winning. He wasn't my grampa, but that's what I called him.
Grampa never graduated high school, but he provided well for his family, was married to the same woman until her death a few years ago and was welcoming and fun to be around. He was one of those guys who, when he said, "I love you." he really meant it. He didn't lie or cheat on his wife or any of that other sort of stuff. If you wanted his advice, he would listen closely, paraphrase what it was you told him to be sure he understood, then tell you his honest opinion. Sometimes you may not have agreed with him, but he refused to candy-coat any issue and he never told you something because that's what he thought you wanted to hear.
One of my favorite things to remember about Grampa was his habit of using fifty-dollar words inappropriately and with poor pronunciation. It added so much to his character. The last conversation I had with him ended with giggles and I love you's on both ends. I feel privileged to have been allowed to know him for the brief time I did. I will sorely miss his wise counsel, sincere laughter, mispronounced words and honest love.
In memory of Clarence "Grampa" Ebert, do me this one favor: Call the elders in your family, including extended family, and tell them you care for them. They are gone before we know it and we are never ready for them to go.
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Very well said Belinda and I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure he felt privileged to have known you as well. We suddenly realize when someone is suddenly gone that we should have said or done more. Thank you for reminding us of that. Rest in peace Grampa Ebert.
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Belinda, i am sorry to hear your sad news, Grampa Ebert sounded like a realy great person
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Belinda, I am so very sorry about your loss. You can read the love you have for grandpa in all you wrote about him. Your are more right than words can ever say they are gone before you know it. My grandfather rasied me and about killed me when I lost him we were very close. He was alot like your grandfather honest, loving, caring and the words of truth be them good or bad.
As long as they are in our hearts they are with with us forever.Rita Jean
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I'm so sorry you lost "Grampa" Ebert.
Your words tell what a cherished person he was. -
Belinda.
My condolences for Grampa.
It sounds like he was a friend to hold dear, they don't come often, loosing them is even harder..
