For the last 13 years, I have been blessed with the presence of a beautiful friend. That friend was my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named Elwood. Born 27th May 1994, he won my heart the second I saw him.
I had always wanted a dog that would be a companion, a friend and also a protector. With Elwood I got that plus so much more.
Elwood was the most loyal friend. His love was unconditional. I could bare my soul to Elwood and he would always look me in the eyes and listen.
Not only was he a special friend to me, but he was a special friend to others. Everyone that knew Elwood loved him too.
His gentle nature allowed him to be trusted around my friend’s and neighbours children. He was always so good. Never jumping up or scaring them. Just following them wherever they went. Happy just to be keeping them company.
While I studied, Elwood was always by my side. Whenever I got stressed that a program I was trying to code wasn’t working, Elwood would always demand a cuddle. His cuddles always helped. He knew it too. So much so that I would stop whatever I was doing to cuddle him back.
If ever I was sick or upset he would comfort me, always laying by my side, keeping me company.
An active dog, he always loved to play. He loved fetching things. His favourites being sticks and tennis balls. He also loved to chew, which is something he did quite often either on a tennis ball or on a nylon bone. It is amazing how many nylon bones and tennis balls I have bought for him over the years… 
Elwood loved Christmas. Every year I would wrap presents for him, and every year he would take delight in opening them. He was so cute to watch. As soon as the Christmas tree would go up, he would just sit there, looking at the decorations and the presents. Not once did he ever open up a present before he was given it; even if he could smell which ones were his. Unwrapping the gifts was something that Elwood did so delicately. So gently he would tear at the wrapping while I held the gift for him. It was so lovely. It is no wonder that I loved buying him gifts.
I have so many special memories of my beautiful friend. Elwood will always be in my heart. I can’t imagine a time where I am not thinking of him, or wishing to see him again. I know that I will always love Elwood. I miss him so much already.
Originally I was going to title this post ‘Goodbye my Beautiful Friend’, but I’m not ready to say goodbye. Instead it is a tribute. Although not tech related at all, many people that knew Elwood, this post is for them. Everyone that knew Elwood loved him. For everyone else, this is my brief way of letting you know of the magnificent friend I was lucky enough to have known for 13 years.
The following photos are some of my favourites. The first two I had no idea that they were being taken. They were taken prior to me leaving for graduation. I was thanking Elwood for being such a good friend and thanking him for his company. I was always telling Elwood I loved him.
The next two photos were taken of Elwood all snuggly and warm in his sheepskin blanket.
The final two; the first one is of Elwood at Christmas time and the last one is of Elwood looking up at me while I had a stick in my hands. I love the photo. He was always so playful.
Elwood 27-May-1994 to 29-July-2007
deb.foocode.net
