Today at 2:15 I lost a friend I've had for over 12 years.  This afternoon Bob layed in the back yard unable to get up on his own.   Having him put down is one of the hardest decisions to make, but it's easier knowing that he won't be in pain. 

I'll miss him going with me on hikes, going to the store, and the simple things he was always excited about doing with me.  I'll miss him nagging me for his two daily walks, which got me off my butt, and gave him the opportunity to sniff every tree, shrub and signpost we passed. 

Bob was the almost perfect dog, hardly barked excessively, never aggressive. I was very lucky to have a well behaved pet that never needed a leash, and would always walk by my side. 

Some of you have experienced Bob's antics. Like the time he lifted his leg on someone's Christmas tree, or when he used to go to the neighbors house while the other dogs were tied up and score a rawhide bone.
He was a very gentile dog, never showed any pain (even the time I pulled a dozen or so porcupine quills from his nuzzle).   He loved water, and would just sit smack down in a puddle , river, anything that was wet, then get up , shake, and share his experience with anyone within five feet. 
When we walked, and another dog would be on a leash, he'd grab the leash with his mouth , and walk the other dog.  He was dominate without being aggressive. 

When I was at the dinner table, he'd come sit by me, never looking at me in the face, waiting for me to drop something or hoping for a nibble. If I would look down at him, he would look away pretending not to be begging. 

I want to thank you for sharing the time to look at my page in honor of him. And I want to thank  those of you that have had the chance to experience him by keeping him while I was away, cleaning up dog hair off of your clothing, or tolarating him when I brought him to work or your home. Also, thanks to those of you that shared amd understood my loss, and offered any kind of help. It's very much appreciated.

People will always ask "Will you get another dog?". That's something I'm not sure of, not until I settle. A dog is a long commitment. It's worth every moment, both good and the bad.  I'd love to have another dog, although it wouldn't be the same as Bob, or Max someday I'll get another one. But not for awhile.

It's been a hard couple of weeks for me. I hated to see Bob out of his normal way. But, he had a good life, I gave him the best I could. And the memories of him are the reward.