Tiny first came into the life of the Brooklyn Tavern a few years ago- (actual
dates elusive) one sunny day, when Ray, Janice and Janice's mom were in the parking
lot of the Tavern unloading a trailer. There was a rustling of some bushes, and
when they parted, out came Tiny- a HUGE dog! Wagging his tail and obviously smiling,
he seemed to say "hey- how are ya, I'm Tiny". We didn't know where
he came from, or who he belonged to, but he was very happy to come up and lean
on us for a petting. That was how Tiny introduced himself to the Brooklyn Tavern
and the Taverns' owners, Ray and Janice.
Turned out, he belonged to a family who lived about a quarter mile north of the tavern. Tiny was 1/2 Great Dane and 1/2 St. Bernard, and weighed about 190 pounds. He roamed the valley of the Brooklyn area, often showing up at the North River School, seeking attention and love from the students there. He also showed up at a funeral, at least once, at the North River Cemetery, apparently paying his respects to the person being buried at the time. He also enjoyed visiting the Bible Camp nearby.
One time, (at Tiny camp...) he somehow made it all the way over near Raymond (20 miles away) and was spotted by a Brooklyn Tavern patron, who snagged him and brought him back home. He got around!!
The family who owned Tiny had several small children, many expenses as such, and with a new baby on the way, felt they couldn't keep up with the energy and effort it took to keep Tiny confined at home, so they approached Ray about taking him in. Ray waited for Janice to get back from her sojourn to New Zealand, at which time, broached the subject, knowing full well, she would say, as she did, "of course we have to take him!!!!"
Thus, Tiny was adopted by Ray and Janice and became the Brooklyn Tavern dog. He charmed his way into many a heart at the tavern, (being hit by "Tiny Slobbers" was a special event),and when not being spoiled there, was busy being spoiled at the Damitio's, having full run of multitudes of acres of doggie heaven, chasing moles, rubbing in rotten salmon on the river banks, greeting visitors and "woofing" the horses when needed. He spent countless hours laying next to the Wynooche River, just watching the water go by, or laying next to the horse pasture, watching the horses for hours.
Tiny was a very special dog. Anyone who ever met him knew that. He was a huge dog with a huge heart, he lived for love, and loved to live. He will live on in the memory of all who knew him, for a very, very, long time.