9/19/24: What's Up with Snoopy?

I hope it's pretty obvious that I have a connection to Snoopy.  Joe Cool is part of my online profiles and there are pictures of Snoopy on everything associated with me.  If you ever came over to my house you would see hundreds of Snoopy things.  Stuffed animals, books, clothes, and holiday ornaments are just a sample of what are scattered throughout.

But why?  What is a middle-aged man doing with Snoopy stuffed animals?  Why does he wear Snoopy T-shirts all the time?  Is he just a kid in an adult body (Cindy would say yes to that)?

Well here's the story of Snoopy and me to the best of my recollection.  Some of it was when I was very young...so I am going on what I was told.

I was born in San Diego, but both of my parents were came from east coast families.  When I was just a toddler my Grandparents (Mom's side) came out to visit.  I think they took a train.  When we picked them up at the downtown train station my Grandfather had in his hand a red Snoopy lunchbox, a can of speghettios and a stuffed Snoopy.

I don't know what happened to the lunchbox or the speghittios, but from that moment on Snoopy and I were inseparable.  I carried him everywhere.

At one point I lost him at Sea World.  I can only assume I was crestfallen to lose my friend.  My Grandfather spent days looking for him in the trash at Sea World.  We did get him back.

Over time he got pretty beaten up.  His "fur" wore off.  I used to throw him from while holding his snout causing his to be detached at the neck.  He had numerous eyes glued on.  It was so bad that he had to go to a doll hospital to be rebuilt at one point. (Thanks Mom for getting him fixed.)

And now, 50 years later, he is still in my room.  I no longer carry him around, but he sits on shelf in a place of honor, still looking over me.  And when I need someone to talk to he is still there.  I don't think he has ever talked back, but he is a great listener.

Thanks for all the years of friendship, Snoopy.