Valerie At Sunset

They come into our lives, these dogs, and become our best friends, and then they leave.  They are killed, or they run away, or are stolen, or have to be given away.  Or, most painfully, they give their lives to you and then you get to the place where their happy lives are over, and you have to put them down.

Valerie would say it's been well worth it, and when I've recovered I will agree.  She and I had many great times together, many times just we two, her treeing a squirrel and me cheering her on, driving for days together every summer, people saying what a great dog at the stops on the highway, exploring parks where neither of us had ever been, me taking the risk of letting her off the lead, she always, always, sooner or later, coming back.

Today's the day she goes and doesn't come back.

She loved and was loved by family and many of our friends.  (Other dogs, not so much.)  She was dignified and graceful and fine, and when not outside scouting she slept at my feet.  When I was home in recovery from cancer she never left my side.  She was ours for thirteen Christmases, with her own stocking.

Farewell old girl.  Now I can only promise to remember you.  I promise.