Good Bye Friend

"Pooh, promise me you won't forget about me, ever. Not even when I am a hundred."
Pooh thought for a little.
"How old shall I be then?"
"Ninety-nine."
Pooh nodded. "I promise," he said.
Winnie the Pooh
The House at Pooh Corner

Today we lost a friend.
Hummer was a gift to me from my sweet, new husband when I graduated from nursing school. He was the pudgiest, most adorable puppy I had ever seen. I had always wanted a dog... but especially a Golden Retriever.

Today we reminisced about our life with Hummer. He did everything with us. He camped with us, hiked with us, swam with us. He sat by my side when I was sick on the couch. He played "protector" when I was alone in the house. He sat while we cried next to him when Abby was born. He gave her gentle kisses when we finally brought her home. He sat attentively near me when I was in labor with Josiah... and then gave him kisses when he came home.

Things I (Patrick) remember:
Staying late with me at graduate school when Patty was at work. Chasing the laser pointer until he could no longer stand up. Kissing Abby and Josiah. Staying outside the grocery store while I shopped, except when he decided to come and look for me. Jumping off of waterfalls when he thought Patty was in trouble in the water. Sneaking into our bedroom at night to guard us as we slept. Playing with Josiah by taking and returning his cow, then letting Josiah taste his golden fur!

Most of our memories include Hummer in some way. We hoped to see Josiah throwing the ball for him in the yard. We had even thought of sending Hummer through special training so he could become a canine companion for Abby.

It just wasn't meant to be. He will always be a special part of our family memories.

Hummer, we promise we will never forget you.