The family dog finally succumbed to the cancer on Monday. The vet said he wouldn’t last a weekend, yet he held on nearly 2 weeks so my brother could return from his honeymoon and say goodbye.

Commodore finally gave up eating and drinking anything after Tim got back in the country, so today (Monday) the family finally said goodbye and allowed the vet to put him to sleep.

Its strange. I try not to let pets and people get too close to me for the very simple reason that eventually they all leave and there is pain and sadness. As my whole family gathered for a funeral, I stoically refused to participate. I hold myself aloof. My new sister even commented on how I hold myself apart from everyone and don’t let anyone get close.

And even through the gruff exterior I present to the world, I sit here writing this with a tight throat and fighting back the tears threatening to escape sore eyes. Commodore was our puppy. He was as much a part of my family as my brothers and parents are. And he will be missed. Immensely.

He deserves so much more than can be expressed here. Unfortunately, I cannot share those feelings or express those memories.

But I am glad he got to meet one person in particular back in 2007. And he liked her, and talked to her, and even said hello to her when he heard her voice on the phone.

Goodbye Commodore.