Today, we lost our dearest, precious Dodger. He died suddenly of a ruptured tumor of the liver and while the suddenness means he had little pain, it caught us unprepared.
We are, of course, devastated. Dodger was ever-loyal, ever-hopeful, curious and very smart. He had an old soul and a special intuition, and anyone who knew him could tell you he was extraordinary. Losing him leaves a gaping hole in our hearts. We will never be the same pack. He leaves us, however, with some important lessons that we will try to take ever more into our hearts.
Work. When our girls arrived, Dodger stopped sleeping in our room and took up a post under their cribs. Later, having associated our ovens with the smoke alarm, he would try to shepherd us out of the house whenever we’d turn the ovens on. He always knew where he could serve our pack best.
Celebrate. When Dodger was a happy dog, you’d know. He celebrated life’s joys and embraced the moment. When especially happy, he’d bring his fuzzy soccer ball to show you. Imagine how much richer our lives would be if we could fully appreciate the joy that comes our way.
Love. Dodger had nothing but love for everyone he met. As much love as we sent his way, he sent back ten times that amount. If anyone was sick or sad, he was at their side. Love was Dodger’s principal tool for getting his job done.
Dodger was a bright, shining light, and one of the great positive forces in our lives. Our world is very much darker today.
Farewell, my best friend, my faithful companion, my little brown shadow. Now you live in us.
