I don’t often write as personal as this but today I wanted to make sure others would know and remember my late friend, Knickers.  I got Knickers in 2001.  He was a Maltese who was the runt of the liter.  Despite his small size, he was the only pup who wanted to play with me and my parents, so we got him.  I wouldn’t say Knickers led a charmed life, he had some rough times, but he was also an important part of our family.  When he was younger, he got attacked by a dog on our block and had a punctured lung and spleen.  He almost died that day but an awesome emergency vet saved his life.  He’s always been slightly ornery and cranky but he loved to play, sit on my back in front of the fireplace while I read, and wrestle with my hand when I was younger.  My favorite memory is sitting under a little tree everyday as a small break from our walk.  We’d just sit there watching cars go by and I’d scratch his belly.  As I went away from college, we drifted apart and he became my parents dog.  He loved my mom and dad more than anything and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with them in their bed.  He often got his wish.   He was  fed a diet that included ham, steak, beef and other meats that would be consider a once-in-a-while treat to any other pet.  Tonight, my good friends heart failed a little after midnight.  He got one last car ride with his head out the window and we got one last photo.  The first photo you see was taken by my gf.  It’s the last family photo we have as a truly whole family.  Yes, others can join and be added but this nuclear family unit will forever miss the tenacious and spunky Knickers.  Buddy, I miss you with all my heart.  Here is a little something I found on reddit and have been saving since I knew your time was short.  I don’t know whether you’re religious but if you have a canine best friend, this little story will hopefully bring you comfort someday:

“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….”

Knickers, you are missed. :/