I’m sitting on the back deck, under warm heat lamps made for winter, but they’re on because, well, it’s very late, and chilly. And you’ve only just left. Listening to the raindrops fall on the roof, the deck, the canvas covers of pool and hot tub, soothes my soul in a peculiar way.

I believe it reminds me of camping. With my family, kids, friends and always, always dogs. Ahhh..the rain. Can’t you just smell it on your dog? (or yourself?) Are you not (other than ducks) the happiest of beings at all times regardless of weather?

I adore dogs’ happiness. I covet it. If I have any say in the matter I will come back as a well loved dog. Or at seconds, a well loved duck. And I don’t mean in a culinary sense, you hear?

The rain is pelting down now, as I reminisce along the decade plus adventures we’ve shared….the evil house cat (as well as the friendly one), the horses and all the playful days spent at the farm chasing them, as well as anything else that moved.

You taught me that chasing kites, windsurfers, seagulls or airplanes, wasn’t about catching them, it was about chasing them. And yes, sorry, I know I promised not to tell, but you did love to chase airplanes…and I love that about you. I will always love that about you.

There is a calmness in the air, gently permeating my senses. The rain has stopped, all is quiet save the distant (well not so far as it’s only a block or two) surf, which even in it’s sleepiness, is sending forth wafts of sea life, both alive and dead. How you would love to be at the beach right about now!!!!!

I miss you. I miss you so much, even as I’m only just feeling goodbye. I can’t bear to feel as if you were really gone. As in, never to be again. So for now,

I will say, I love you. I miss you. Good Dog!