Mookie the Violent: 1994(ish)-2008

Posted June 26th, 2008 by scottsigler

News

Mooks in Kraken's Hat: She did not like wearing the hat. She went out and killed a cougar after this shot, she was just that pissed.

Junkies, it's a suck-ass day. Mookie the Violent has checked out. You know "those people?" The ones who don't have kids, who show off pictures of their dogs as if the dogs were kids? That's the Evil Queen and I. We have absolutely no perspective on life. We are dog people to the hilt. I've been around dogs my whole life, learned to walk months early by grabbing ahold of the tail of our lab-mix "Coachie Boy" and standing as he walked away, pulling me up. In my life, I've had Coach (a family dog), Bunner (the first dog that was truly mine), Booger (dad's dog, hung out with Bunner), Dizzy (who met an untimely demise on a highway), and then Mookie the Violent.

Mooks showed up on my doorstep one day in 1994. I was 25, and like a dumb-ass, I started putting food bowls on the porch for her. And, of course, I let her in the house. She slept in the exact same place that Dizzy had slept, and I was already hooked. One day Mooks stopped coming around. I went to every Humane Society in the area, and found her in one. She was in a cage so small she couldn't turn around, and a Humane Society dude was washing her off with a pressurized hose. She was yelping, shivering, scared out of her mind. He was probably a volunteer and a great guy, and did not need me threatening to break his fucking neck, but at that point I knew that dog was coming with me. I adopted her, and for the past 14 years that dog went with me everywhere. When I was a single guy in my twenties, this dog basically lived in my car -- everywhere I went, she went. She loved the car, it was like her kennel, and she always knew I was coming back in an hour or so. The back seat had a blanket, water, toys, it was a little slice of doggy heaven.

Mooks & The Evil Queen: Mookie had just finished killing a water buffalo on her own. The Evil Queen decided this was worth belly scootchums. Check out the smug "I just killed a water buffalo" look on that dog's face.

Mooks talking shit: Mookie had just finished whipping ass on a 100-pound German shepherd. We had to have a lecture about respecting the cultures of other dogs (Mooks hated the Germans).

We moved across country three times (Michigan to Cali, Cali to Michigan, Michigan to Cali). She got to see the whole country. We tried to take every vactaion in dog-friendly hotels, because the Evil Queen and I really didn't enjoy ourselves unless the dogs were with us. The single best road trip of my life was just me driving across country (Detroit to San Francisco) with a big dog bed in the front passenger seat, Mookie sitting on top so she could look out and see everything. We made that trip in two days and one night -- a couple of marathon drivers, listening to a Clive Cussler novel on tape. Just me and the dog for 48 hours straight, like some Steinbeck stereotype.

Mooks weighed anywhere from 40 to 45 pounds, and she could whip ass like you wouldn't believe. She grew up on the streets, yo, fighting for food from garbage cans, drinking water wherever she could find it. She was the sweetest little thing, but every now and then, some stupid dog, most often a bigger dog, would fuck with her, and she would morph into this snarling wild thing that belonged on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Fortunately, she never ran into a pit bull, but she kicked the holy hell out of 100-pound German shepherds (she was very racist in her early days, hated the Germans). Once I took her to see my brother, who had two 110-pound black labs. One of those labs got all up in Mookie's shit, and she had them both on the ground, tails tucked, crying their asses off in about three seconds. It was amazing to watch. She was like the Tazmanian devil once she got wound up. She was 11-1 for the first ten years I had her (yes, I'm a male who loves fights, so I kept stats on my dog). Her nasty side faded as she got older and more and more spoiled, so she was about 2-for-4 in the rest of the serious doggy altercations. For a 40-pound ball of fluff, I'll take a 13-5 career record any day of the week.

She's also partially responsible for most of the fiction of mine you have read or listened to. She would sit under my desk, just hanging out while I wrote. I thought of her as my writing partner. Even when I got my closet-studio, she curled up in a 24" by 24" space in front of the PowerMac, always available for a chin schootch when I needed to think out a plot point or a character voice. When we were in Michigan and couldn't afford heat, I'd set up a little blanket for her (both to keep her warm and to use her as a foot-warmer ... yes, doggy labor, go ahead and turn me in to the SPCA).

Without a doubt, Mookie was my best friend. Her kidneys crapped out on her last week. It began during the SMOD™ writing retreat. She started walking slower, stopped eating regular food (I though I was smart giving her raw eggs and milk to get something in her belly). Once I got her home, it got progressively worse. The last few days she spent sleeping. There was much lovie time, lots of petting, lots of nice talk. I found the single biggest blessing to writing full-time was being able to be home with my dog 24/7 as she faded away. I used all of my Future Dark Overlord powers to try and heal her, but some things, apparently, are beyond even my abilities.

Last night we put Mookie the Violent down. I'm a total fucking wreck. Death is okay in fiction, in real life, it sucks balls. The SMOD™ is due in two weeks and I will meet that deadline, even if I'm bawling like a little bitch the whole time. Invest in Kleenex, my friends, the stock is about to go up.

I have two big announcements coming up, including a reveal of what this SMOD™ is all about, so I'll dutifully communicate those -- but other than that, you may not hear much from me in the next couple of weeks.

We always knew...

On July 22nd, 2008 (16:20 GMT) Indiana Jim (not verified) says:

...that the future FDO had a heart. We won't tell anyone, though. It will be our little secret.

Sorry about the loss of your friend...

On July 15th, 2008 (21:18 GMT) DrunkenGamer says:

When I lost one of my furry friends I cried for a week and felt hollow inside for a lot longer. It really sucks our lifespans don't match up with those who give us the most unselfish, non-judgemental and abundant love.

Sorry

On July 13th, 2008 (13:04 GMT) Jason (not verified) says:

Sorry about the bad news. I just recently lost my dog of almost 9years in a fire that burnt down my entire house and i lost everything that i owned. My dog Tyson was a boxer and still was puppy at heart. I'm here with ya Jason

sorry for your loss

On July 13th, 2008 (11:50 GMT) dethhed says:

im a cat guy but ive lost furry loved ones too. it sucks my condolences to you and your familly.

mookie rip

On July 10th, 2008 (11:15 GMT) the mad limey says:

So sorry to hear about mookie take a brake have a beer chill

and come back kicking it

Lost a dog and a cat in 2004.

On July 9th, 2008 (12:06 GMT) Mycroft says:

The dog was the one who kept tabs on me all thru my cancer, and was fine with us as I worked in 4 different cities over several years, including communting out and back every week or every couple of weeks. The dog and I were together on a trip from KS to FL, just the two of us, then had to wait for about a month for my wife to get home with the cat. He became famous ona dive report I did, waiting for me with my car keys on that trip. I didn't have to make the choice to put either down, they died too fast. We have 1 dog now, another Cocker Spanial. You have to have a furry friend in your life. On a clear disk, you can seek forever.

We're with ya!

On July 8th, 2008 (08:25 GMT) Fydaelin says:

Dog folks are good folks.... albeit Evil, twisted, bloodthirsty, gore encrusted and bent on destruction and mahem.

We lost a four pawed friend to cancer a couple of years ago and so we have an idea of what you and the Queen are going through. We're thinking of you.

You did a good thing the day adopted Mookie, every day after that was gravy for her.

We adopted another snapping, snarling, stranger chasing, barking, biting beastie shortly after the loss of the other (his name was LB.... for Little Bugger!). Not that we were trying to replace Him, it just happened that another puppy needed our help.

Not pushing, Just planting the seed.

Now, suck it up and don't sniffle when you're in the closet... the Evil Queen with beet you with the axe is you drip on the clean linen again.

Fyd

Mookie

On July 6th, 2008 (14:29 GMT) ainsliebee says:

I sort of hope you arent reading these but if you are the depth of feeling should give you a little lift. Console yourself that you gave a great life to a great dog and that the first day she turned up on your porch was the start to a new journey in both your lives.

Doggie heaven

On July 5th, 2008 (18:06 GMT) zaphodbblx says:

Scott Im sorry for your loss. As a dog person(and a bunny person and a rat person and a cat person...you get the idea) I know how much it hurts to have to do the right thing for our furry friends. Sometimes all we can do is end the pain they suffer, We know it's the right thing to do but it still hurts..no matter how bad ass and evil over-lordy we are

My Sympathys go out to ya bro

On July 3rd, 2008 (06:59 GMT) John Terrell (not verified) says:

I just recently finished reading the book "Marley and Me, my life with the worlds worst dog". Yep, blubbering like an idiot during the part were Marley died. It's been quite a few years since I've had a dog, but I understand.

I can't stand it.

On July 3rd, 2008 (06:20 GMT) Ruby Wolf says:

My love pup, Nanuk, is nearing her 14th b-day. She sleeps all the time and sometimes that sleep is so intense I have to touch her to make sure she is still breathing. Of course, then she jumps. Overall, she is in really good health. Her hip muscles have shrunk (she's around 50 lbs) and I feed her glucosamine every day. Seems to work. Anyway, Scott, you being a dog person, I knew there was a reason I was drawn to your website (besides the free podcasts). Hugs and much empathy on your loss.

sorry fella

On July 3rd, 2008 (00:08 GMT) thejimof83 says:

sorry fella

How Sad

On July 2nd, 2008 (13:38 GMT) Monty Grue says:

The loss of an animal pal is never easy. They're kind of like people, only with fur, four legs (usually), and mostly lacking language and math skills. They are still part of the family.

Bumming with You...

On July 1st, 2008 (16:22 GMT) sail1313 says:

Hey Scott sorry to hear about Mookie the Violent. We're animal people

here too, but currently without dogs.

One of my sister's is a K9 officer and we're waiting for her next retiree.

Therein lies a lot of stories...

Nocturnal has been awesome. Take your time. We can wait and of

course FDO we will buy the books!

Greg B.

Sorry for your loss

On July 1st, 2008 (13:19 GMT) DougS says:

I've had to bury a couple of my pets, and understand the feeling. It's never easy, but I have fond memories of all of them and don't regret any of the time I spent with them, or the pain I felt at the end.

Sorry for your loss

On July 1st, 2008 (06:55 GMT) John (not verified) says:

You've just lost something that matters to you more than perhaps anything but the Evil Queen. Don't apologize to anyone for what you're feeling: love is love, and sneerers can suck on chicken scissors. You were lucky Mookie the Violent let you live to chronicle his reign. Water buffalos may rejoice today, the rest of us -the ones that matter- have an idea how much this hurts... take care,

sorry for your loss

On June 30th, 2008 (20:46 GMT) Anonymous (not verified) says:

sounds like you gave her a great life; I'm sure she appreciated it take care of yourself and the evil queen

Too painful...

On June 30th, 2008 (11:09 GMT) Beldapriest says:

My hearts goes out to you Mr. S. You got me a little choked up here. Be strong.

Duncan my Punkin

On June 30th, 2008 (07:57 GMT) BarbaraJ says:

Scott,
I grew up with dogs. My first dog was Fina - a gorgeous female German Shepherd, and she was my soulmate from cradle to 4th grade when she went to play ball in the sky.
Kraut was a beauty and he lived a long, happy life.
Duncan my Punkin was a gorgeous young Sheltie when he died and it broke my heart. It also broke the heart of his brother, Connor. We've since brought Skye into our house to play with Connor and he's happy again.
As for cats, they are too numerous to mention but some that I've held during their last breath are Spike, Glenda, Noel and Fred.
Screw those folks who forget that you give us your work for free - you rock, my Evil Overlord, and I'm going to send you some dog cookies. That's cookies shaped like dogs - not cookies for dogs.
Tastes Like Chicken

Sorry Scott

On June 30th, 2008 (06:57 GMT) MuchAdo says:

I won't even try to say anything to make you feel better because I know nothing will! Being a pet lover myself, I can empathise with you and the Evil Queen! Thanks for sharing with us.

"Even crazy people sometimes base their fiction on an ounce of truth" -Scott Sigler

Heart Felt "Sorry Scott"

On June 29th, 2008 (18:16 GMT) 67comet says:

Scott I'm super sorry to hear bout Mookie the Violent. I lost my cat Elvis (he and I have been chillin' since 1994 also) two holliday seasons ago after I visited him on leave. I found him while I was stationed in Italy (Aviano AB) and he was with me until I moved here to Japan (Kadena AB on Okinawa). I left him at home because he just never seemed right the year before. A year after I got here, my mother dropped me a quick note to say he had died the night before (calling with the time differance is difficult, so she e-mailed me the news).

Hopefully your hangin' in there, and I know you are keepin' busy.

Take care,

Justin

Mookie

On June 29th, 2008 (17:46 GMT) Jaime (not verified) says:

Hi Scott so sorry to hear about the passing of one of the loves of yor life... it is no small thing to lose your companion... I lost my little Beagle girl this past summer.. Mindy.. a rescued dog that was a complete mooch and spent a life of indulgence and cuddles once she came into our lives. Savour this moment with memories of Mookie's love and support and take your time with your grief. Thanks for being so considerate to your fans and still taking time to check in and let us know whats going on. our thoughts are with you... and Mookie take care jaime

Sorry for your loss!!

On June 29th, 2008 (16:32 GMT) Macdave (not verified) says:

I hated hearing about Mookie. Losing a beloved pet is a hard thing. Take care man!!

Always in my thoughts

On June 29th, 2008 (13:15 GMT) wiredpig says:

When I heard it on the podcast I was hoping all would be okay. I am truly sorry for your loss. My initial thought is - take your time. Heal, and as PG said, we'll be here when you get back.

Wired Pig
Married, again, with 5 daughters... Scott has NO idea what true horror is.
Twitter: WiredPig
Blog: http://blog.wiredpig.us

Sorry Scott

On June 29th, 2008 (12:10 GMT) adder1972 says:

Sorry to hear about Mookie, Scott

F---

On June 29th, 2008 (10:56 GMT) tremers says:

Just read the news Scott. Very sad, I understand exactly what you have just gone through. My own experience only 2 months ago.

She sounds like a real mate, a real treasure of a find that generated a mutual bond between the two of you. Saying goodbye just seem so inadequate.

I feel for you.

I could say some philosophical shit like as one door closes another opens, but that just sounds like bull crap in a moment like this.

Be strong my Overlord!

Condolences

On June 29th, 2008 (08:12 GMT) Matthew Turland (not verified) says:

While I can't say that we know each other or that I have any real sense of the extent of your loss aside from the beautiful eulogy you've given for your canine companion, I can offer the deepest of sympathies. I've lost family members and pets in the past and I have a decent idea of how much it can suck. I'm sure Mooks is in the best place she can be, next to being with you and your wife. I hope the offerings of all the fans who have come together to give tribute to one of your biggest inspirations will lend you some sense of peace during this difficult time. You and yours will be in my thoughts.

So sorry to hear about your loss

On June 28th, 2008 (22:01 GMT) ext237 says:

I know just what you're going through. We had to put "One", our pet cat of 16 years, to sleep.

She was a great friend ... I would never put up with 16 years of nasty litter boxes, wet stinky food and twice-montly slimy hairballs on my bed from any human.

condolences

On June 28th, 2008 (20:08 GMT) glshade says:

Hello - FDO my brother. You have my condolences for your loss. I know what it is like to have to put down a beloved animal and one that was bee a part of you life for so long.....damn I'm sorry man. Take the time you need - really us junkies can get by in the mean times. I'm moving back to the bay area after 5 years away - maybe sometime we we run into one another - I will buy you a drink and toast to lost lovedones - of all kinds - feel what you need - you loyal loving junkies will wait......hear that dont bother the man in his grief....

horrable news

On June 28th, 2008 (17:58 GMT) redhedtexan says:

these things are a soul drainer, but at the same time something else is replaced.a hole the size of a square is removed, and something that replaces it is round there are still little gaps left over and you are not the same but the gaps will heal slowly and mookie remains.

TEXANS unite bring the dark overlord to his true home

Sorry for your loss.

On June 28th, 2008 (14:01 GMT) n8man says:

Family is family, human or otherwise. Family above all.
Nate Dogg... "life is hard. But it's one helluva lot harder if you're stupid"- -John Wayne

Sorry to hear the news..

On June 28th, 2008 (13:43 GMT) davielad says:

I can't believe it scott. You sounded so pissed off on your last post of nocturnal now i understand! Im sorry to hear the news. You've just lost a dear family member... my thoughts are with you! I cant believe people have been giving you shit about your timekeeping we all know your ALWAYS ON TIME, how dare they call themselves JUNKIES! Stick in my friend and i hope to hear what you've been up to on your Secret Mission Of Death soon. I will buy you a stiff drink when you hit the U.K someday!

I'm so sorry

On June 28th, 2008 (11:31 GMT) Shadygirl says:

I'm so sorry to hear about Mookie. I lost one of my horses last year and I still miss him every day. Take your time. All the junkies are thinking about you and the Dark Queen and we are here for you.

A cowgirl is a woman with guts and a horse.

You have my condolences.

On June 28th, 2008 (08:10 GMT) SynapticJam says:

Lif is like that sometimes....

SynapticJam on Toast - hhhmmm... tastes like chicken (aka PUVJK) #2 in crack hits (ain't I special)

My Heart goes out to the Masta Pimp

On June 27th, 2008 (23:39 GMT) Nelzone says:

Scott -

I am so sorry to hear about Mookie.

I, and anyother dedicated junkies, could hear and feel the pain in your

voice at the end of the last ep.

As cheesy as it may sound - know that you are loved, in at totally straight way,

by a slighly twisted, bunch of damn dirty junkies. Remember Callahan's Law:

"Shared pain is lessened; shared joy, increased—thus do we refute

entropy."(Spider Robinson)

Cheers,

Nelson / Nelzone

Taste is the Enemy of Art

Mookie

On June 27th, 2008 (22:04 GMT) stormwalker4 says:

Sorry for the loss of your dog Mookie. Hang in there Scott. Also, let me apologize on behalf of all the oj's for the morons that called themselves taking you to task over what is very good, and very free podcast fiction. You are the best, and still ontime. If they don't like Infection in the feed then they should piss off. Keep up the good work and stay strong. stormwalker

Lost friends.

On June 27th, 2008 (21:03 GMT) RandyNose says:

You're in my thoughts dude. - Might there be an Old Yeller type story coming out of this?

In honour of Mookie The Violent?

R__

Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so. - Ford Prefect

Our thoughts are with you FDO

On June 27th, 2008 (18:13 GMT) SlackerQueen says:

She's in a much better place and kicking a whole lot of ass. I know what its like to lose a dog too, 10+ years is something that just can't fade away. Always remember her at best.

http://www.chasingthebard.com/

I am so sorry!

On June 27th, 2008 (14:07 GMT) floridagirl99k says:

I'm so sorry. I know what it's like to lose a dog. I hope you and your wife feel better.

Mookie's With Mur

On June 27th, 2008 (14:16 GMT) Barry (not verified) says:

Good thing Mur Lafferty showed us where Mookie's gone. She's havin' a great time there I'll bet. It gets better Scott.

Take your time, Scott

On June 27th, 2008 (13:48 GMT) gmanvsfreeman (not verified) says:

Take your time and release stuff when you think you are ready. Forget about our junkie bitching and feel better before you release stuff. Who gives a damn (I don't) about when your free content is released. We, at least me, care about when your are happy. Look on the bright side, if the SMoD is a sequel it gives us time to listen to all your books one more time to get up to snuff for the sequel. Best Wishes, G-Man

Im sorry.......

On June 27th, 2008 (13:52 GMT) Alex Rueckl (not verified) says:

i am REALLY sorry a bout your dog. i had to put my dog down, just recently, also. I also have somthing to say to the people bitching at scott 4 an episode for this last week..............MAY YOU ALL BURN IN HELL!!!!!! hope u feel good now faggots. Sorry for your loss Scott, -Fuzzy

Our Deepest Condolences

On June 27th, 2008 (12:07 GMT) The Shadow says:

If there is any justice in life or death, she will be there waiting for you when it's your time to crossover. Hang tough Brother.

~~~~Molly~~~~

Mookie the Beloved and Sometimes Violent

On June 27th, 2008 (10:01 GMT) OhGoddess (not verified) says:

So sorry for the loss of your child Mookie. I have been where you are and your post brought tears to my eyes. Until the evil overlord and queen meet their child again...

I grieve with you man!

On June 27th, 2008 (09:32 GMT) Victornetto says:

Hey, Scott, I´m so sorry to know about your loss!! I have three dogs at home and I love them so much!! I can imagine the pain you´re feeling.....

I Hope you fell better soon our Dark Lord!!

Ouch

On June 27th, 2008 (09:05 GMT) Matthew Wayne Selznick (not verified) says:

I was going to try and think of something clever but sincerely sympathetic, but fuck that; it's contrived and false and This Is Not The Time. Scott, I feel for your loss. I had a cat that was twenty three when she died in 2001. I had that cat (she walked into the open garage one day and refused to leave), Illyana, since I was a sophomore in high school. She saw me through an entire marriage, original and revived bachelorhood, and into a new marriage. She kept my lap warm while I typed away on dozens of projects. She died in my wife's arms while I drove like a madman trying to get to the vet. That cat just kinda woke up one morning and decided she was ready to shut down. I was a garbage heap for days. Now, I live in a house with four cats, all about the same age, and two dogs, one a little older than the other. Six to ten years from now, maybe less, maybe more, I'm looking at a bleak parade of sadness as time calls on each of them. Meanwhile, I love our furry family, and I'm grateful for what they have to give us. Hang in there, buddy.

RIP Mookie

On June 27th, 2008 (09:41 GMT) minitotoro says:

Sorry about your loss, Scott (and the Evil Queen). Thanks for sharing some Mookie with us. Sounds like she was a really awesome pup and friend. Take care.

---------

visit me at www.thefuzzyslug.com

I lost my friend of 15 years

On June 27th, 2008 (08:01 GMT) Michl7of9 says:

Mr. Sigler,

I lost my boy Toby (cocker spaniel) after 15 years of friendship around Christmas 2007. I know what you are going through, it doers suck.

Take care of yourself and remember Mooks is looking down on you smiling.

7of9

Your loss is our loss Scott.

On June 27th, 2008 (07:54 GMT) tsolo888 says:

Putting my dog to sleep was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. My heart goes out to you man....Tsolo888 <AKA Cpt. Travis Ellis> - Out, Click here to Digg Infected

Someday I Hope To Be...

On June 27th, 2008 (07:45 GMT) BukaHobbit says:

"Someday I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am." Not sure who said that but it sums up our relationship with dogs. They see us in the best light and somehow know our best selves. It is impossible to explain the companionship of a good dog to a person who has never experienced it. In the end, you did the right thing and helped her pass peacefully. I have had to make that call before, and it sucks, but it is the right thing to do.

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Mookie the Violent: 1994(ish)-2008

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