Over the river and through the woods. . .

I've always loved Thanksgiving. It's a holiday that can bring people together, and you don't have to give anything in return. Of course there were always those stressed out family dinners of yore, where the expectations were somewhat inflated. But today was perfect. It was a beautiful balmy day, all the food was perfect, and everyone had a good time. We missed Sparky, and his favorite food was turkey. The other hairy beasts had a great time begging for scraps, though. Our newly remodeled basement was a treat, and I truly am so thankful to be back in our house, finally, after two Thanksgivings away. Things are looking up and the turkey sandwiches tomorrow will be awesome.

All Dogs go to Heaven

Sparky was the best dog anyone could ever have. He was gentle, loving, loyal and energetic. He never once growled at an overly rambunctious child, and he never even snapped at anyone, no matter how menacing they were being. He was always waiting there by the window, and he could identify car engines by their sounds. He loved people food, and felt he should be allowed to eat it whenever he sniffed it. He loved cats, and might have even thought he was a cat. He played carefully and gently with Natalie when she was only a couple of months old. We brought him from Arizona, the pup of a German Shorthair Pointer mom and a Dalmatian dad. His mom died shortly after he was born, and I think he always viewed me as a substitute. Then the past few months he stopped eating, had trouble seeing, and had lots of accidents on the floors, the beds, the couch. He was afraid of the stairs, and fell several times. He didn't ever stop being the loving soul he always was, and I felt that he was crying out for release from his pain and fear. I had to end his life today, November 4, 2006, just before he would have turned 10 years old next January. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I know he's at peace now, hopefully in a better place, free of his pain. Rest in peace, Sparky.