Ambassador of Townsend (ret.)
 | Author:
Dee Gannon, MT 43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
Ambassador of Townsend (ret.)
Dee Gannon
A little fuzzball arrived in Townsend via Spokane on Labor Day, 2010. At just 13 weeks, he easily had everyone’s “Aww, so cute,” as he rested in Dee’s hobo bag. Yep, a ‘purse puppy’ for sure.
He quickly made a daily route of some of the businesses on Broadway, dragging me around to get treats. The Mint, The Bird’s Nest (it was where Broadwater Blooms is now), and Townsend Drug are a few of the places that were kind enough to have a little something for him. I think his favorite, was Cheryl, at the Mint. Scooter not only got a treat every morning, but Cheryl was the first one on his daily route to pet and praise him.
Scooter and I lived above the Mint. It allowed us both to get more exercise and to be in the middle of the business district. I had become a member of many committees; Scooter was always welcome. Even when I would go around trying to solicit for fundraisers; Scooter was his notoriously charming self (could he have been so charming that people gave more?).
He was soon appointed (by popularity) to be a self-proclaimed Ambassador. Everyone who met him loved him. I trained him myself as a service dog; getting certified, with a note confirming the status, by our own Doctor Kathleen Trapp. He was a polite, well-trained, charming dog. He went everywhere with me. And no matter where, he was welcome and loved.
Because of our location, he would get to use the grass at the gazebo park as his not-so-personal bathroom. Don’t despair about dog poo; about once a week, I’d be out there with gloves and bags to clean the entire park. Not as many dog owners were as conscientious as I; especially after car shows, dart or pool league.
Well, in 2017, I took a chance, opening a thrift store in Townsend. Helping Hands Townsend was a hit; and Scooter, being the Shop Dawg, was able to fulfill his dream of retaining the title of Ambassador; only this time in a limited theater; that only encouraged him to get all the attention, even to the little people that would visit. Never ever was he put out by any poking and petting him. He hated to be chased, though. No matter what, he would greet everyone. Scooter was slowing down; living for the treats given by his friends.
In 2019 a man came into our lives. Dann Clason courted both of us; showering us with treats and flowers. You can guess who got which. We accepted Dann into our tribe; Scooter relishing ‘lap time’ consisting of the boy laying on the foot of Dann’s recliner. I also loved this time with Dann. We married, and Scooter became his buddy. Since then, we have had a much more laid-back existence; spending time showing our love to one another. The rest of the world seemed chaotic; but here in our little bungalow, life was good. Dann, Scooter, and I; our own bubble. We loved it that way.
2024 brought news that Scooter had diabetes. The cataracts that blinded him, confused him, made him terrified of moving. We couldn’t get his insulin under control. Scooter (McGruder) Gannon-Clason left this world on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his ‘parents’ giving him love until the lights went out.
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PhotoCredit: Dee Gannon
Image 1 Caption: Scooter
Dee Gannon Photo
Image 2 Caption: Scooter
Dee Gannon Photo
