Farewell to a friend

We lost a good friend recently. After an unexpected and mercifully short illness, Jasper - our beloved boy - left us on December 28, 2006. He was 11 years old. As you may know, this was the day after our daughter, Tessa, was born. His departure is heartbreaking to Sarah and me but I believe Jasper's last great gift to the people he loved was to leave us at moment when distractions are many.

He was, quite simply, the best dog I ever had the pleasure to know. Loving, obedient, tolerant of children, trustworthy and handsome - everything you'd want in a dog, Jasper had in spades. If you knew him, then you know why we loved him.

Reminders of his time with us are everywhere. And even though it's a goddamned hard thing to say goodbye, the days I spent with him make up for heartache I feel now.

Safe trip, buddy.