(I will apologize in advance for copy/pasting this in a couple different places; but some of my friends, family, colleagues, clients and acquaintances don't frequent all the same venues. Since this applies to all of you, I just want to make sure you all see it, and know that your kindness has not gone un-noticed.)
Thank you all again. We really do appreciate your condolences. Once again, I have found kindness and support here during a troubling time.
I've been around dogs one way or another my whole life, and I've always liked and admired dogs in general. But I never "owned" one of my own until a few years ago. Angie's dogs Rocky, Maggie and Snow are the first that I've had the pleasure of living with, caring for, and being cared-for by.
Angie rescued Rocky from the pound when he was very young, and quite sickly. She was told he would not live long; in fact they discouraged her from even taking him home, much less investing in medical care for him. But Angie saw something in his eyes that they didn't.
With care and love, pure toughness, and a bit of luck, Rocky recovered. He went on to lead a long, happy, energetic life filled with tail-wagging and scritches and laughter. He was a gentle soul with a warm disposition, one of those super-laid-back rascals that wanted nothing more than to love and be loved, unconditionally. And perhaps share a bite of that yummy steak or pork
chop, pretty please?
When Angie and I got together, Rocky just up and decided to adopt
me. We became best pals right off the bat... I guess that just happens sometimes.
Of course I'm very sad to let him go, but the pain I feel now is
nothing compared to all the fun times we had together. Not to mention all he taught me, and the benefit I got from him licking my face or hand, or just wagging his tail and grinning whenever he saw me walk into the room or yard. Even if I was in a bad mood or worried about something else, in his own little way he cheered me up... as dogs so often do.
My tears today have a lot of joy in them, if that makes any sense. I feel grateful to have known and loved him, and I don't regret any of it for one second!
Thanks again, everyone. I knew y'all would understand, and I'm grateful for that as well. I should also point out that Ang and I are still blessed with two wonderful dogs and three lovable cats in our family, and that's a comfort, too.
