Whiskey Tango Foxtrot earned his name because when we first got him he could not be left alone for more than 4 or 5 minutes at a time. If and when we did leave him alone he would either get into something like the trash, or tear up something like a pillow, etc… When we had to leave for an overnight visit we set up a large kennel in the house for him to stay in, and our next door neighbor agreed to come over and let him out, and take care of him. The only problem was she couldn’t get him back in the kennel, so she let him have the run of the house overnight. The next morning we didn’t have a couch or upholstered chair in the living room anymore. All though mad there really wasn’t anything we could do except attribute it to “separation anxiety”, and knew he would outgrow it in time. He did, and we all got along wonderfully.
Whiskey was originally known as Wilson when we first met him at Pets and People Humane Society in Yukon Oklahoma. We were taken in by his angelic face and big beautiful eyes. He was one of dozens of homeless dogs in need of a good home. After we took him for a short walk, we found out he had been adopted before, but had been returned due to “nosing” his family. Every time he was approached he would touch his nose to their hand, and they didn’t like that. We thought it was adorable. We brought him home that day.
For the next 11 years he had a wonderful life, he always had another dog or two to play with, and a big secure yard to play in. He always got two meals a day. One in the morning, and one in the evening. He had two places where fresh water was always available. One inside, and one outside. The treats he enjoyed most were peanut-butter flavored ‘Softies’, and every great once-in-a-while a Braum’s cheeseburger.
Whiskey was well loved, and always enjoyed all the special attention he could get. He slept on the bed between “mom and dad” almost every night. He had one older sister named “Angel” when he first came to live with us, and they were constant companions until she crossed over the rainbow bridge in December of 2020. Shortly after Angel’s passing Whiskey got a new 9 week old ‘sister’ named Bailey Sweetheart, who proved to be awfully rambunctious for a now 8 year old pup. So after some deliberation he also got a new 10 week old ‘brother’ named Leo Buddy. Leo helped Whiskey tremendously by taking on all of Bailey’s rough-housing that puppies that age seem to require.
The last couple of years of Whiskey’s life were good except he had developed a heart condition that required medications with every meal. He received the best medical care, medicines, vitamins, and attention we could give him and he did fine nearly the entire time. All his check-ups with the Vet went well. The last few months he started having some pain in his hips and back legs. We started giving him fish oil, and medication that seemed to help. He was well and happy right up until the very end of his life. We know he loved us, and his brother and sisters very much.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot will be greatly missed. He was a good companion, and watch dog. He was our best friend for many years. We know he is in a better place now, and out of pain. He changed our lives while he was with us. He made us more humane.
He has gained his wings.