The Loyalist Relationship

Sorry I haven't posted a new blog in over a week. That's probably because on January 2 I had to to put my 13 year old cocker spaniel, Abby, to sleep.

I haven't felt like writing much in the past week. And I don't want to try and rewrite "Marley and Me." Suffice to say those of you who have owned dogs probably know how I feel. Empty and sad.

A friend of a friend of mine has coined the term "dog hole," and it is the feeling that one has in the days, weeks, and months after you lose a dog.

Abby was a wonderfully sweet dog, and a vital member of our family. If you live on the Seacoast of NH, you may have seen Abby and I (along with my wife and daughter) at the Portsmouth Dog Park or on various beaches in the area (always during times that dogs were allowed of course).

She loved people, even more than other dogs. Children would always come up to her and their parents would say "Is it okay?" and my wife or I would nod and say "she loves kids."

And Abby would sit, tail wagging, while children would pet, poke, or prod her.

She will be missed.