Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine

Seamus was named after a friend of his original dad, Clayton, who said, "Look at his eyes. They remind me of that Pogues song, 'A Pair of Brown Eyes.' We should name him 'Shane McChowin'!'" But Seamus was just a bit easier to say, and thus Seamus had his forever name. Seamus lived on a floating home, where he learned to boat, but never did learn to enjoy swimming, despite valiantly jumping in the river when he felt swimmers were in danger. The unconventional nature of the floating home community, however, meant that he was lucky enough to have a variety of human friends that loved him and cared for him over the course of his many years because he was able to wander around in and out of homes as he pleased. His human person, Roz, wanted him to have freedom of choice (insofar as that's possible when you're a dog, because sometimes people make decisions for dogs and that's just the nature of the world), and fortunately, the people in his neighborhood were amenable to his autonomous existence. He was well known to the neighborhood businesses, who would greet him with open arms despite the fact he was rarely on a leash. He had 3 Grandmas, Nancye Ballard, Susie Bachman and Sherry May. He had a feline brother named Jeffrey who was incredibly patient with Seamus' rather...amorous nature and Seamus protected the most wonderful cat that ever lived right up until Jeffrey crossed the Rainbow Bridge (just 5 weeks prior to Seamus) at the ripe old age of 17. He protected his house from countless TV dogs, and geese and ducks didn't stand a chance when confronted with his bravery. He stalwartly guarded his step-dad Chris's home from boats, and Chris repaid this by being with Seamus when he took his last breath, and helping Roz navigate through her grieving process. Seamus adored Chris, and he adored Chris's cat Princess Doorstop, who tolerated him politely. Seamus loved going to visit his friends at Club K-9 Doggy Daycare (aka Puppy P's) and even had a one-eyed Chihuahua girlfriend there named Ginger. He had a friend from the neighborhood named Cheddar that he loved to frolic with, and he loved his cousin Sol, who lives with his human relatives Natalie, Matt, and Desmond. Desmond and Seamus didn't originally see eye to eye, but eventually became buddies, too. He helped Roz with her business, doing deliveries with her, waiting patiently outside her kitchen, and cuddling with her when she had to shutter her company for good. Seamus made friends wherever he went, even the vet. The wonderful humans at Grateful Heart Veterinary Hospital took care of him his whole life, and he loved them unconditionally, so much so he forgave the temperature taking process, and they are the ones who made the donation to the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and facilitated this tribute. Seamus' person, Roz, will be forever grateful that his little heart, which was so giving it eventually needed a break, was shared with her for the almost 11 years he was alive, and she barks at dogs on TV in his memory even though it makes her look a little crazy. There are countless other people who loved Seamus, and that Seamus loved in return, but the human typing can't see though her tears to type much more, so I'll finish by saying: I love you, Captain Sham-Jam, and please don't hump Jeffrey too much, wherever you are. Cuddle with your older brother Angus for me, and know that I respect and cherish you all with every fiber of my soul. When we meet again I promise we'll take a boat ride to the park, and we can sing along to "Been Caught Stealing" because those barking dogs at the beginning of that song need to be put in their place and I just can't do it without you. I miss you so much, my sweet blonde brown-eyed buddy. Thank you for everything, you wonderful, inquisitive, loyal, courageous, funny, unique, perfect dog. Your life mattered to so many of us. You matter so very much to me, now and always, and I'm honored we were able to spend your time here together. RIP, Seamus the Magnificent. I love you.