Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Seamus Brannigan, 2002 - July 8, 2009

Seamus Brannigan, our spunky little Brittany was assisted over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday after losing an eight month battle with lymphoma. Nothing is known about his puppyhood. Our best estimation is he was raised by a hunter some where near Memphis, Tennessee. We adopted this approximately nine month old puppy in May 2003 from National Brittany Rescue. Sue Blackman was his foster mom. Seamus was a Mother’s Day present to his human mommy, Pauline. We are not sure who got the gift as he was the definition of a “Momma’s Boy” like all true Southern Gentlemen.

Seamus was well trained puppy. It was apparent he knew all the standard commands and had been trained to hunt. However, given his separation anxiety and absolute terror at the sound of thunder, this was never fully explored.

We would say he would be missed by many but that isn’t the case given how protective of his mommy. Frankly, he wouldn’t really care. The only people he truly loved were his parents. They are grief stricken by his loss. Seamus loved to go everywhere with them and specifically his mom. Whether that was in the car or for a beloved walk in the country, he just wanted to go. This was especially hard over the past months with the cancer. We were concerned about taxing him too much with the longer walks his sister Fiona needed. Finally, as it had become apparent the cancer was winning we gave in and allowed him to be free again. Seamus enjoyed a long walk the day before his passing in the summer sun. He had a thing for bees and would stand forever watching them and trying to catch them. He was actually quite good at it.

Seamus served as a constant security guard for the home office. He was always by his mother’s side during long conference calls and working on proposals. She will greatly miss the shadow she has had for the past six years. Seamus was never from within sight of her if he could help it. He also had a unique ability to understand the human language. We swear he understood every word even though he could tune us out when a squirrel chase was on hand.

Seamus is survived by his father and namesake James Brannigan and his mother Pauline Brannigan, his canine Golden sister, Fiona, and feline sister HRH the Duchess of Brannydoon. Predeceasing Seamus was his sister, Annie in 2007.

We know that Seamus was the best dog he could be. We adored him for it and will miss him forever. Donations can be made in his memory to the New Milford Dog Park, Post Office Box 86, New Milford, CT 06776 or National Brittany Rescue, www.nbran.org

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam - May He Rest in Peace 

I took this picture and wrote the following poem yesterday during our last hours together...

Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas  (Love Loyalty Friendship)

You were mine from birth no matter what your journey

Puppy protection and love never ever has ceased

My shadow has taken a different form

Consuming my thoughts and life decisions

You showed me the absolution of love

Constant in your guard and friendship

Souls connected heart to heart

One without the strength to carry on

We must part today and you go beyond

I love you like you were part of me

My boy, my Seamus, mi mac…be at peace

I pray we will be together again in time, Slán agus beannacht leat

By Pauline Brannigan