Buddy, 12

By Eric Richardson
Published: Friday, June 20, 2008, at 03:07PM

Ed Fuentes [Flickr]

At the 2007 Dog Day Afternoon, Buddy poses with Hal Bastian, Joaquin and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Downtown lost one of the pioneers of its revitalization today. Buddy, Hal Bastian’s golden retriever, had to be put down this morning after suffering ongoing issues with his hind legs. Downtowners with dogs owe a lot to Buddy for how many new buildings are pet friendly. Hal and Buddy moved Downtown to work for Tom Gilmore when he was in the process of starting the Old Bank district conversion. Tom made his buildings pet-friendly, and in doing so set the tone for how Downtown residential would proceed.

Hal, now VP of Economic Development at the Downtown Center BID, sent out the news in an email this afternoon.

On a sad note, I had to put “Buddy,” my golden retriever down this morning. Recently, he had been suffering from his hind legs collapsing with no notice. This morning he collapsed and was never able to get up. He lived from October 6, 1995 until today. My Mom and I were with him when he died.

Buddy led a “charmed” life and was a very important part of the Downtown Community. When I left Gilmore Associates six and a half years ago, Tom Gilmore got over me leaving, but not over “Buddy” being in the office. “Buddy” worked right to the end, including this week. He got that work ethic from me.

Our Second Annual Downtown Dog Day Afternoon at the Cathedral will be in his honor on July 29, 2008 from 6pm-9pm. All our welcome to attend. Please go to http://www.downtownla.com to RSVP.

Lastly, many of you have already asked how you can console me. A nice note to me at home would be great, but no flowers please. Also, you might want to donate to the Bark Avenue Foundation at:

http://www.barkavenuefoundation.org/ct/store/home.asp

Bark Avenue took great care of him during his life.

Last year’s Dog Day Afternoon was a great success, and was hosted by Buddy and Joaquin, Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik’s black labrador.

Comments

Karin Liljegren writes:

ooooohhh. poor buddy. poor hal. I’m so glad you posted this. I didn’t know. he was SUCH a sweet dog.

# on Jun.20.2008 AT 10:07 PM

milquetoast writes:

I’ll bet Hal was very inspirational to the developement of pet friendly accomodations. He looks like a sweet guy, no wonder you will all miss him. We just put down our littleist, Murphy, last Saturday so we know exactly how you feel. They never tell you that this day will come, do they?

# on Jun.21.2008 AT 01:42 AM

milquetoast writes:

I’m sorry, I meant Buddy :)

# on Jun.21.2008 AT 01:44 AM

Joe Cornish writes:

Buddy was a real sweetheart. This is a major loss to the downtown dog community. I can only imagine how devastated Hal must be, along with Buddy’s special friend Lupe. Everyone who loved Buddy is sad right now.

# on Jun.21.2008 AT 06:08 PM

Urban Bruin writes:

Hal,

We are so sorry for your families loss. Thank you both for the foundation you’ve layed in downtown for all dog owners.

Best wishes and gods strength,

Ken

# on Jun.21.2008 AT 07:11 PM

Benjamin Pezzillo writes:

Hal,

Erica, Boo, Luca and I all have fond memories of meeting Buddy at the cathedral event he hosted last year. You have our sincerest condolences on your loss.

Ben

# on Jun.21.2008 AT 08:17 PM

David Kennedy writes:

My condolences to Hal during this difficult time. I’ve dealt with him a few times over the years and he’s always been very kind and gracious. I never had the occasion to meet his Buddy. I’m sure Buddy was a special dog who brought much happiness to this world.

# on Jun.21.2008 AT 09:47 PM

skidrowdude writes:

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Hal; it’s a tough task to decide to put your “best friend” down, My thoughts are with you Hal, as I am memorializing the loss of my dog 2 years ago. Be strong, and remember all the joy that Buddy brought you and everyone he interacted with.

# on Jun.22.2008 AT 01:41 PM

Nancy-Jean Carlson writes:

Buddy was one of the first “people” I met when I moved into the San Fernando Bldg. seven years ago. I loved going into the Leasing office to get kisses from him and watch him wiggle his butt whilst holding his beloved teddy bear in his mouth! My heart breaks for Hal and for all of us who fell hopelessly, madly in love with a handsome golden retriever named Buddy!

# on Jun.23.2008 AT 08:54 PM

Brady Westwater writes:

So how do we remember Buddy? What kind of dog friendly memorial can we have in his honor?

# on Jun.23.2008 AT 10:10 PM

Hal Bastian writes:

Dear Downtowners and all of you who have posted,

Thanks for your wonderful words of comfort. Buddy led a wonderful, full life and made many, many people smile everyday.

With a wonderful sense of community and best wishes,

Hal

# on Jun.24.2008 AT 08:09 PM

Justin Weiss writes:

I think the best way for everyone in DTLA (people & dogs) to remember Buddy, who was actually the first “person” I met in DTLA, would be to attend the 2nd Downtown Dog Day Afternoon @ the Cathedral on Tuesday, July 29th. It is being co-hosted by Buddy Bastian and I know Buddy would love all downtowners and their dogs to attend.

# on Jun.24.2008 AT 11:52 PM

Weezie writes:

Hal, I’m so sorry to hear about Buddy passing. He was a downtown icon but more importantly he was a beloved companion to you and your family. I just lost my dog AL the Killer Pomeranian a few months ago and it was very hard. I’ll see you at Dog Day Afternoon and we can celebrate together how lucky we were to have such good animal friends. Weezie

# on Jun.25.2008 AT 11:07 AM