All you need to know about Bill-the-Dog is in this image. He was my companion and best friend for 15 years. We walked in our Forest for hours almost every day of those 15 years. He had such adventures there - rabbit adventures, squirrel adventures, coyote adventures, adventures with smells I cannot even imagine. Even when very young, he’d sit patiently by my feet when I’d stand for what must have been a dog’s forever watching the Forest’s owl families or when I’d sprawl myself out on the ground to look at stuff or to take pictures.
He was the perfect ambassador for Dogdom, greeting all humans with respect and joy, welcoming each one of them into his pack. He played so happily with the other dogs who walk in Forest — gently with old ones, with great abandon with the ones his age. Somehow he understood how to let the puppies know how to behave in the correct Dog manner. And they did.
Over time he came to be known as the Mayor of the Forest. Many of the regular walkers know me only as “Bill’s Mom”. What an honor.
We had to let him go today. His gentle, happy, loving spirit was still there but his body just couldn’t keep up. He was tired and in pain. It was what we had to do for him, in honor of everything he’s done for us and for everyone else he’s touched.
I may not be here for a while, but will return when I can. In the meantime, hug your dogs. Give them big ear and butt skritches. Take them outside and let them run. Revel in their gait, their joy, their utter presence.
And give each one of them a special treat tonight.