Buddy's paws are all over this idea

It’s time to celebrate Buddy.

In a way he would have loved.

Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 12, when we present Mike’s 66th and Buddy Memorial Open House at the New Just Wright Citrus World Headquarters on the shores of Big Lake Henderson.

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It’s more than just a fine October day. We’ll be selling Buddy Bandanas for $10 each, with the proceeds funding a scholarship for a graduating senior in the Crystal River High School veterinarian assistant program.

So, let’s talk about it.

The more I think of the Buddy story, the more amazed by the utter randomness of it. That I found him wandering the highway early in the morning, that he had no collar or computer chip, that he simply seemed to warm his way into my life in such a seamless way.

And then, of course, he became an instant Just Wright Citrus superstar. Everywhere I went, it was Buddy this, and Buddy that. Readers couldn’t get enough of Buddy.

Through the right contacts, Buddy was invited to Crystal River High School for its vet assistant program. I kept prepping Buddy all week: “Teenagers! Teenagers are going to fawn over you!” He yawned and flopped to the floor.

We had a great time at both CRHS visits. We were looking forward to a visit this fall.

Buddy and I were inseparable. Many JWC readers know exactly what I’m talking about. I heard from you frequently since I introduced Buddy in December. Buddy blogs were the best read by far.

And, when a blood clot suddenly took Buddy from me in June after only six months, I poured out my grief and the community responded with untold kindness and prayer.

Well, you know, the true tragedy would be to mourn Buddy and move on as if he was never here. Because that dog was HERE. I didn’t just pick him up off the highway and give him a safe place to live. He became a part of the Just Wright Citrus fabric, which means a part of the community.

In this community, those legacies thrive. That’s the way Citrus County is built.

I’d been wondering what I could do in Buddy’s memory for the community. Then, out of the blue, a reader sent me a check in Buddy’s name. “That’s interesting,” I thought. “What am I to do with that?”

Then an idea: Buddy Bandana. Yeah…I could get these things made up and sell them, raising money for…what? 

And it was talking with my friend Becky Beattie, party organizer extraordinaire, when the idea of a scholarship came up.

I can’t think of a better beneficiary for a Buddy-themed fundraiser. Those kids and their teacher, Annaliese Leazott, were so kind to Buddy and me. What a very cool program at CRHS, part of its health careers academy.

The very idea that Buddy could help those seniors in their next steps toward a career in critter care — well, it simply brings a smile.

Last year’s Mike’s 65th and Bluegrass was a huge success. Through JWC T-shirt sales and generous donations, we raised $2,000 for Club Recovery of Citrus County to help in its search for a new home.

(By the way…the COOLEST birthday gift is giving back to my community. Citrus County has been very, very good to me over the years. I’ve taken plenty. Time to happily return the favor.)

Details for this year’s Mike’s 66th and Buddy Memorial (that’s my working title, sounds a little like a golf tournament) are still being finalized. Numerous people have offered to help. Not to scare anyone, but Josh Wooten is in charge of entertainment.

And once we have the bandanas ordered, I’ll post the design. Folks who want to buy a bandana but can’t attend the open house — tough luck. Just kidding! Haha. Seriously, we’ll figure it out. ALL money raised goes to the scholarship.

(The address and other particulars are forthcoming.)

Dear friends. I weep every time I write about Buddy. I’m writing this one on the porch; his empty bed still sitting on the floor to my left. When the weather is humid, as it is now, it smells like wet Buddy out here. I hope never to forget that aroma. 

He brought so much light in such a short time. Now he, through you, has the chance to keep that light shining brightly.

Buddy was my dog and yours. Let’s give him a rousing sendoff.

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