November 22, 1999 – June 4, 2013
John and Linda Martin were surprised by the gift their daughter, Gidget, and grandson, Brad, gave them on Christmas Eve, 1999. When Buddi came to live with them he was small, but each day they could see him growing. John and Linda were told that he would only weigh about 35 pounds, however, when they took him to the vet, he laughed and said “add another 100”. Buddi was an American Bulldog born in Monroe, North Carolina on November 22, 1999. He had special markings of white and rust color with a white ghost on his left hip.
Buddi grew to be a great addition to their family. He loved to lie on the deck and watch everything. And when feeling playful, he enjoyed his favorite toy, a little stuffed bear. Buddi also enjoyed playing the organ, which Linda has videotaped. It is a small lap organ and he would play it every time he had the chance; however as he became bigger he did knock a few keys off. Now it may have been because of that first Christmas [the gift of family he received], but Buddi loved Christmas and the presents that went with it! He loved opening his Christmas presents and seeing what was in his stocking. Linda said he always knew which stocking was his.
Buddi didn’t have any special tricks he would do; only the normal commands of sit, shake, come and stay. Although he never won any awards or medals, he did have his own fan club…our family. Buddi was a gentle giant, he loved to run and play. And he met no strangers, when company came to visit he would get so excited. He loved everyone; however, he also could sense strangers who weren’t so trustworthy. He was so big and very intimidating to strangers, which over the years protected John and Linda. Buddy always made his family feel safe when strangers came to their door. If someone pulled in the long driveway, he would let his family know. No, Buddy never won an award, but if he could have it would have been in intelligence, beauty, and gentleness; he was the epitome of all three.
Buddi was very strong, when he went for walks – he actually walked his pet parents. His neighbors would laugh and say “there goes Buddi walking John!”
Buddi crossed the Rainbow Bridge at 4 AM on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at his home in Winchester, Virginia. He was 13 ½ years old. He is survived by his pet parents, John and Linda Martin, pet sisters, Cary, Gidget, Roxie and Dee; pet nephews, Brad and Chase; pet niece, Amber; also his K9 sisters, Honey and Noodle.
“Buddi, you will always be in our heart and greatly missed. You are our Baby Boy!”
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