Harris “Baby Puppy” Bolger, a miniature dachshund who spent his formative years as an honorary deputy editor in theLong Island Pressnewsroom, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on April 25. He was 84 in dog years.
Born in South Carolina on Aug. 15, 2014, Harris was rescued three months later from Friends of Freddy by Timothy Bolger and Rachel Gruler before that Miller Place-based nonprofit shuttered when its owner was charged with neglect. Despite failing out of canine obedience school, he proved inseparable from his family, with whom he spent countless hours napping, demanding endless belly rubs, and hoarding treats.
“We take comfort in the fact that he knew how much he was loved,” Bolger, thePress’ editor in chief, said.
In his puppyhood, Harris traveled to walk the beaches of Florida, attended SantaCon in Manhattan, and joined his family trick-or-treating on Halloween dressed as a shark, chicken, and hot dog — costumes that were part of his well-stocked sweater collection. Much of that wardrobe was less a fashion statement than an essential for a tiny dog who hated the cold and loved burrowing under blankets or in hot laundry fresh out of the dryer.
His semiregular commute to thePressoffice made him a mischievous mascot of sorts, emotional support animal for stressed staffers, and overzealous watchdog who often saved the staff from its frequent visitors with the power of his incessant barking.
He spent most of his life patrolling the streets of Islip, for a time keeping watch over its downtown from an apartment balcony where, like Batdog, he’d woof at would-be evildoers, thanklessly deterring incalculable crimes.
In his golden years, Harris spent his retirement sunbathing on the deck for as long as the sun was shining —- downtime he used to perfect his favorite hobby: barking at nothing. He was also known to howl when left home alone but was self-conscious about his singing and never serenaded his family in person.
He will be remembered as an insatiable cuddler, nonstop licker, and occasional biter that left his loved ones with cherished memories and permanent scars. He was a stubborn SOB who used his puppy bark into old age to get what he wanted. His likeness will live on in archival photos on thePresswebsite showing him trying to walk with his stubby legs through varioussnowstorms.
Harris is survived by his brothers Davis, Boris, and Luka. The family held a private remembrance before interment in the backyard and after his favorite treat, vanilla soft serve ice cream from Ralph’s. In lieu of flowers,donatetoCrusoe’s IVDD Fund at Cornell University.
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Source: LI Press
