We Miss You Much

It's hard to believe it's been almost a month since we said goodbye.

You were a good dog--the best. I knew it from the day I found you on the side of the highway. You had horse sense at the barn, and were a natural trail companion, meandering ahead in search of deer so they wouldn't spook my horse. You were a handsome guard dog while Clint traveled (we both know that beneath that fierce bark you were such a softy at heart). And from the time they were born, you were the quintessential playmate for the girls, who included you in all their games (whether you wanted to be or not). From dress up to dinosaurs to trains, creek walking, or even just a relaxing stroll, you were there.

You went with us everywhere: to the beach, camping, to friends', the in-laws, the barn, the rail trail. Whenever we pulled out the luggage, you knew. You would jump in the open car door, determined to come along, wherever we went.

You ran and played with any dog you encountered, even into your old age, and you tolerated a lot, but also taught young boxing pups their place. You loved your "pack" at the in-laws: Puppy, Buddy, Louie and Gabby. You ran and swam with them to your heart's content. Even in winter. Even when we told you not to. You even played with Puddy and Pickle, Miss Kitty and Cheese, baiting them with a trail of kibble to your bowl, ready to pounce on them the second they showed interest.

You were as much a member of our family as my girls or me. I learned a lot from you: how to forgive and forget. How to get up and go every morning, even if you don't feel well. Every day is a new day. You taught me that just being there is sometimes all anyone needs. You snuggled and cuddled, gave puppy scarves and gator faced us, and had a sense of humor we all loved.

We miss your chicken eye, your puppy scarf, your twisty nose, your snow toe, wet toe, dirty toe, your grumbles when you lie down to rest and your yawns that sound like the communicators on Star Trek. I still look for you to let you out in the morning, the girls look for you to eat their leftovers. Clint still looks for you at night before going to bed. We miss you much.

There will never be another dog like you, Mr. Puppyhead.