When Patch came to live with us in the winter of 1996 Point Grey was buried under a metre of snow. He was determined to get out there and experience it, so we grabbed the toboggan and headed to the hill at the Justice Institute. Felicia and I realized very early that we had found a kindred spirit in the 3- year old, full of boundless energy and grins, ready to take on the world. As he darted down the hill (when he wasn’t riding the toboggan- up front, of course) all we could see was a blur of white on white with three dark dots and that beautiful tea- coloured patch beside us. That Sergio brought this incredible little being into our lives wasn’t a surprise- the debt of gratitude that I would one day have for this gift was. My life has been altered and immeasurably enhanced by my very close, very special relationship with Baby.

I have a lifetime of memories with Patch but would like to write about his persona. Although unclassifiable, here are some of the things that he was to me:

Patch the Communicator
Patch initially found his speaking voice in the car. When we would be laughing at something particularly funny, or when an exciting story was being told, Patch would join in. Not barking, but a slow, vocal “rowl, rowl…rowl” I would encourage him by asking “Really? Is that so?...” which lead to more “conversation”. Eventually, but only occaisionally (he chose his words well), he would join in whenever he thought it appropriate. It was important for Patch to express himself- he said so.

Patch was also a master at body language, especially on the couch or in bed. Like a mathematician he would strategically place himself in the spot taking up the exact middle,with legs stretched, in order to negotiate a smaller, but more prime piece of real estate (ie- where caressing and being snuggled were highly likely).

Patch wore his emotions on his face. His most common was a smile and he had different smiles, depending on the occasion. He also had facial expressions to egg me on to whatever the game of the moment was, to challenge me to a wrestle or a game of tug o war. He also had a certain face that not everyone saw- reserved specially for some large dogs and all old men with gray hair, glasses and beards…

When Patch would stay with me, at lunch time (he liked 3 meals a day at “the spa”) we would go to the fridge and Patch would intently and earnestly look into the fridge and its offerings. As I asked if he would like the chicken breast or beef or whatever was there, he would look up and almost nod in appreciation, satisfied, as if we had just ordered escargot and a bottle of Chateau Petrus.

His favourite lunch was tuna omelette.

Patch the Love Machine
Patch could charm the pants off anyone effortlessly, because he exuded pure, unbiased warmth and never demanded it in return, although he got it in spades. “Are you trying to seduce me?” and “Don’t look at me with those bedroom eyes” were what Sergio would say to him at bedtime, quirky and affectionate, warm and caring in a way that only Sergio can be.

Patch the Gardener
"He never takes time to stop and smell the roses" was an early refrain from Sergio one spring morning in the lane as Patch leapt past the blossoms that were spilling over neighbours’ fences. Baby would bounce along then, existing solely on the joy of being alive it seemed. But as he got older he became more reflective. He really did begin to inspect the world more- he was fascinated with bugs and loved to investigate in the garden and help plant, or prune- especially if it involved sticks that were ideal for throwing.

Glenn and I have decided to plant a tree for Baby that he would most appreciate. I am on the lookout for one that sprouts T-bones or poached salmon.

Patch the Sun Worshipper
In the back yard on West 30th and on the grass (or the beach) in Naramata, these were the only times Patch would seem languid, and detached in his own luxuriating pleasure, because usually he was the source of pleasure and only seemed happier the more he gave. He would love to stretch out, his little pink freckled underbelly warming, dreaming.

He also loved to be “naked”.

Patch the World Traveller
His sophistication was innate (as was his Lipizzaner trot), but I’m sure he picked up some of his wisdom in his travels … Lake Louise, Gambier, Barcelona, Sitges, Naramata, and the Italian Alps. Need I say more?

Patch the Nature Enthusiast
Patch straddled two worlds, the human and animal kingdoms, equally part of both, although he would never admit to a fellow human that he was anything but human. Yet he could communicate with other animals, and did so. He knew who was a nasty one (chased crows) and who was to be left in peace (admired quails from a distance). And he showed amazing care when it came to any baby animal. Hiking was one of his favourite pastimes and when he was young he could hike for hours on mountain trails, through meadows and on the beach. Whenever he was in the car and we would approach a greenspace he had a very certain voice that he would use to show his excitement and anticipation.

Patch the Nephew
Birthdays (his and mine) were often on the beach (Virgo and Leo) and we were often at each others’ parties. He was always at Family Dinner (2 courses if you please) and always up for a road trip to Naramata- just the two of us.

Being far away at the moment I have yet to come to terms with our loss and Patch is still with me and beaming in my heart. As I promised Sergio last week, I will do everything I can to ensure Baby and the lessons he taught us will be with us always.

Alex