You know that pet you get when you're "all grown up"?
The one that is your first child? The one that has a super-special place in your heart?
This is mine. Meet Tobi.
(Tobi and girls circa 2007)
The world just lost the best dog.
Today we had to put my beloved friend to sleep.
He's been living with my parents since my divorce as right after the split I didn't live in a place that allowed dogs. He became part of their family too and so he stayed.
They were so good to Tobi in his aging days. My heart hurts for their loss as it is also mine.
Tobi had a kind soul that just made you relax.
If you were upset he'd come to you and rest his head in your lap.
He used to lay on our bed and I'd rest my belly on him when I was pregnant with girls - he was the best furry body pillow.
When he slept he held his front paw in his mouth just like he was sucking his thumb.
He new the word 'treat' even if you spelled it out t-r-e-a-t. He still knew and his tail would wag.
He was always so gentle with the kids but loved a mean game of tug-of-war with his rope tugger.
I went through so many vacuum cleaners because of his looong reddish hair - but I'd do it all over again if I could.
Today was so hard. The keyboard is wet with my tears right now.
I haven't really been able to function since this morning's trip to the vet.
But we held him long after he was gone. He knew he was a good boy. He knew he was loved.
My loving husband just got done burying him in our side garden in the middle of a thunderstorm.
But he's worth it. Tobi was that kind of dog. The best.
(Tobias the Great XIII, 1998-2009)