Goodbye old friend

Nearly 15 years ago I drove out to a farm in Western Wisconsin to buy a golden retriever puppy to give to K for Christmas. There were only two left in the litter, a vivacious female and a small, shy male who happened to be the runt. While the girl jumped out and lunged my direction as if to say, "Pick me Pick me!" the boy hid behind the stairs in the barn and cautiously peeked out. Always a pushover for the underdog, I picked him up, paid for him, and drove back to Milwaukee to surprise K at his office later that night.

He was our first baby, and has been with our family through many events and changes over the years. We had to say goodbye to our dear dog two weeks ago. He would have turned 15 next week had he lived just a little bit longer; October 15th is his birthday. I’ve attached a picture of him that was taken two weeks before he died, as well as one of him as a puppy. Of course, I am naturally biased, but he really was the most beautiful Golden I have ever seen. He was very much a member of our family, with his expressive eyes and intelligence and his way of relating with us. He was one of a kind, and he will always hold a special place in the heart of his family.

Old friend, we will miss you. We love you.