Zack

On May 10, 1999, we celebrated the 12th anniversary of becoming our Springer Spaniel, Zack's pack. (He came to us as a lovingly-used, free-to-a-good- home pet.) On the same day he began to show signs of major health problems, probably caused by brain lesions. We said goodbye to our beloved 13-year old friend on May 18th, after giving him all the Frosty Paws he wanted. He snored until the very end.

Zack had many human friends, including several confirmed "cat people" who admitted he was pretty good for a dog. We have learned that our daily home life was truly enhanced by this being who insisted that nothing was more important than going out (to stroll, sniff, squirt and roll) or staying in for supper, snuggling or play -- not necessarily in that order. Zack had his priorities clear and he often straightened out ours. We will try to adhere to his teachings.

Zack has sent messages to cheer us through our great loss. A Grey Seal appeared to us with its big eyes and dog-like head both times we visited the shore this week. We saw a great sundog around the sun and Sirius truly glows brighter. Even a pair of our favorite Harlequin Ducks (well out of season) showed up while we were looking out to sea. Call it wishful thinking or signs and wonders, we feel a particular presence in these presents.

We can't necessarily attribute the loudness of the frog songs this week to Zack, it could be we just can hear them better now without a certain snoring in the house. We expect to find Zack hair around home for years to come and will remember him and miss him for even longer.

Join us, as we join others who have had a great friend like this go on ahead, in celebrating a wonderful spirit. Love to Zachary, Zack, the Zackmeister, Mr. Z., Bramble Butt, Twig Tush, Mr. No Buns, Bondo the amazing bonding spaniel, Rasta Dog, and all your other incarnations...

from your pack mates, Nina and Jonathan