Flada Blog

“Of all the souls I’ve encountered in my travels, his was the most… human.” -James Tiberius Kirk

I find it interesting that an animal can make us more human; but I am truly a better person for having known him. I would like to believe he is in a better place–he truly deserves it. Sadly, I don’t believe such things. It would be nice to imagine him with young hips, jumping into the bed of a truck–young hips that can handle long walks in the woods and runs through a meadow. Or in a place where there are swimming holes to enjoy every day. He deserves a place where no one ever tells him to go to his corner or to get out of our way. And no one is ever mad at him for being a dog and doing dog things.

I have found myself closing my eyes and imagining exactly these things even though I know it’s just my imagination.

I wasn’t good enough for him, but he made me a better person. I learned a lot about loyalty and peace during my 13 years with him. Over the last several years, his age was catching up with him. His step was slower and his hips bothered him a lot. Sadly, I know that his last several years were made worse as he became less important while my wife and kids filled larger and ever larger parts of my life. He deserved better in his twilight years considering all of the things he went through with me. Only now that he is gone do I realize what a large hole there is in my heart that he still filled.

So long, my dear friend Reggie. You will be sorely missed for a long time.

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