Roger

I just recently lost my old friend, Roger. Two nights after he died I was outside watching the stars. I saw a very bright, shooting star leap towards me. I kept watching, a few moments later in the same spot in the sky another star leapt towards me. That night in my sleep, I saw my Roger, healthy and happy and so much bigger than life, bounding happily amongst the stars. He paused for a moment when he saw me, wagged his tail and leaped away. Even though saying goodbye to Roger was the hardest thing we have had to do, we know his old bones are young again and he can run like the wind like he loved to do.

My husband and I adopted Roger as a puppy from an animal shelter in Alaska when we were newlyweds. Not able to have 2-legged kids, Roger filled that void. He was the tie that bound us together when the odds were against us. We owe so much to him. Even though he was a mixed breed, he was nobility through and through. Roger taught us so much. He was a true gentleman.

When Roger was 12, I rescued 3 Husky Mix pups with the intention of finding good homes for them after they were weaned. These three brothers were just two weeks old. Their mother was starving and the pups weren't going to be long for this world. After a couple of weeks of protest while I cared for the infants, Roger finally came around. As rowdy as they were, they would always stand still and enjoy the kisses that Roger gave them. He taught them so much - to stay out of his food, not to beg from the table (that was Roger's territory) and most of all how to be good, loving boys. Needless to say, I found good homes for them. Mine! They are ours forever. They miss their big brother and need lots of extra lovin's right now.

My husband and I have our three big buddies to keep us hopping but I know I will always look for my Roger playing in the stars.

This is dedicated to Roger who graced this earth from August 1988 - August 20, 2003 and his brother Riley who went before him (that's another star entirely!) We miss you guys!!