Bud Mastiff Johnson April 5,2006 - April 25th, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce Bud Mastiff Johnson has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Bud died peacefully Wednesday, April 25th in the arms of his grandma, Kristi Johnson, and under the care of Dr. Hunt and his assistant, Pam, from Veterinary Mobile Medical Services. Bud was cremated by *A Pet*s Memory* in Gulfport MS and his ashes were laid to rest in his family home. All loved ones who wish to say goodbye to Bud are invited to do so at their convenience.

Bud was adopted by his daddy, Jayce Johnson, in the summer of 2006 and quickly became a dog legends are made of. Bud arrived in our home as a tiny little ball of fluff. He came with the ability to destroy any crate, gate, door handle, cabinet or trim molding he encountered. Adding to that was his ability to duck out any open door and make a break for fun. He did not, however, stay small for long. :-) Bud quickly began building loving relationships with all those who came in contact with him, whether it be a new friend in the park or at the river, an animal control officer, or even the new neighbor he'd not yet smelled. A lover of couches and blankets, Bud had many hobbies. Riding in the car topped that list so he had seen some sights in his 12 years, including 2017's total solar eclipse. He loved romping with animals of other species, cuddling alongside you (or an available cat as he was not at all picky), taking over his daddy's queen size bed, dancing in circles when it was time to be fed, and knocking over complete strangers by going between their legs (not a problem with his 6ft 4 inch tall Daddy but the rest of us shorter mortals suffered some).

In his spare time, Bud dreamt in full-on action mode, thrashing his legs and woofing while presumably chasing some intruder (or possibly squirrel?) who dared enter his dreams.
The quickest way to his heart was with a quality scratch of his tail or a belly rub, or a Starbucks Puppuccino. In October 2015 Bud came to live full-time in Mississippi with his Grandma so he made many trips to Starbucks for the doggie friendly beverage (whipped cream in an espresso cup filled way above the top).

Bud will be greatly missed by many, but none more so than his grandmother. Through thick and thin, she loved him with all her heart, and though the pain she feels without him is great, it in no way would compare to having never had him in her life. Besides his father and grandmother Bud leaves behind a loving great aunt, Laureli Latimer, and a fur-brother, Midi Latimer, as well as Jim Stell, his great grandfather. He also leaves behind the many amazing friends he's made through his life. Blessings of gratitude to you ALL.
We at home are devastated by this loss. While his Grandma is ultimately grateful for his loyal companionship and love and it is of some great comfort that he is no longer suffering she is completely heartbroken. The world for her was a better place with Bud in it and by her side.

Those of you reading this understand how much we love and cherish our animal companions. Thank you for recognizing and being supportive of our grief during this difficult time.
At the wishes of Bud and our family, please donate to your local animal shelter and/or adopt a new loved one from one.

Bud's Great-Grandfather wrote:: Ol' Man Bud's finally gone to cross the Rainbow Bridge and go live in the Land of Kibbles & Bits...You two have been a joy and a comfort to each other, and I join you in wishing him a Grand Journey to Neverland, where it's all play, all the time. Ecclesiastes 3:(1)To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (2)A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted...

Remember me always, but do not grieve for too long. I have tried always to comfort you in times of sorrow, and have made every effort to add joy to your life. I never wanted to cause you pain. Peace for me is certain now, and I suspect I will have eternal sleep in the place I have loved so well. Please, after your period of grieving for me, make room in your heart for me to love. You are the kind of human being that should always have a friend like me to love. Your kind and gentle heart should not be wasted on my memory for too long. Give your love to another. I know your new friends will never take my place, because we had something very special. It may not be quite the same, but a new devoted and loving companion will in time, become special in their own way. You loved me very much and I loved you. My spirit will always be with you, and no matter how deep my sleep, my grateful heart will always remember you.