Chopper R.I.P.

I picked up Chopper's ashes a few days ago. I still have moments when tears wet my eyes when I think about him. Most of all, I miss his constant presence. He was always there lying or sitting close by. Each time we brush by his collar that now hangs on the railing surrounding the stairs to the basement, it jingles and I instantly look for him. I miss resting my hand on his pointy head and running my fingers through his soft fur. I especially miss our runs together - he would trot beside me with his nose to the ground taking in all the early morning smells. I miss his spirit, his energy, his love.

He was a fantastic dog.

This photo is from this summer on our last day of canoe trip. He had just come out of the water after swimming with Tom and the kids.