The end of the story—and so much gratitude

 

Sophie crossed the Rainbow Bridge late this morning, helped by our longtime family vet who made a house call, for which we are eternally grateful. It was more peaceful than I could have imagined, and we are now picking up the pieces of our lives, assured that she is chasing squirrels with all her friends in doggie heaven.

I am overwhelmed and so thankful for the outpouring of response from family, friends, and most of all, you—my online community. Sophie played to a wide audience and would be gratified at how many loved her. My gratitude runs deep, and I, for once, am almost at a loss for words. Bless you, one and all.

I can never replace Soph—she was one of a kind, with her joy in life, her stubborn belief the world was her oyster, her need for tummy rubs and lots of love, her loyalty not only to me but to the family and friends she knew well. I will get another dog, because having a dog fills out my life. I think the longest I have gone without one since grade school is six months. My theory about choosing a dog is like that about houses and cars—the right one will present itself at the right time.

Meantime, my heartfelt thanks. I’ll be back tomorrow and in succeeding days with reports on Irene’s doings, recipes from the Fifties and beyond, my own thoughts on our tumultuous politics, the sometimes horrifying international scene, and, I hope, lighthearted moments. And someday soon, I may really write that book that’s been floating around in my mind: Dogs I Have Known and Loved.

For the moment, thank you and goodnight.