In 2008, my brother Chris landed in the hospital and Mandy (my soon to be wife) told me she wanted to get a dog. I was feeling so overwhelmed, the thought of having to care for another creature was too much.
Mands persisted, and eventually I relented and that is when Burleigh entered our life - in the fall of 2008. And now, almost 12 years later, I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without her.
I had certain ideas about what a dog should be and how we should train her, but that’s not how it worked out. I tried leaving her in a separate room for sleeping time, but she wouldn’t have any of it.
I tried being the alpha male dominant. That lasted all of two weeks.
I eventually learned that we had to work together, to build a bond in order for her to respect me and for me to respect her. It started with a bag of popcorn, which I’d crinkle everytime I wanted her to come back to me. Was it just the food or me, I’ll never fully know, but I’d like to think we started to get each other.
For the next 12 years, Burleigh and I wandered the streets of Parkdale (in Toronto’s west end) sorting through whatever was on my mind at the time.
She was also in the background of most etee videos or photos and she spent literally everyday at the etee office over the past 5 years.
This past August, B died after a week running rapids with me on the Ottawa river. She had cancer, but you never would have known it. She was full of beans until her last couple days. I wish she would have lasted longer, but I can’t complain, she was an awesome friend and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Built on a beat I recorded in a basement on Cunningham ave, circa 2009, with lyrics by myself and my brother Chris, this song marked a turning point. I wrote it and produced it my head while on our many walks. I hope you enjoy it.
What a beautiful testament to lives well lived, and much loved. Thank you for sharing!