Six months after his passing and I feel as bad as I ever have. I am not sure when this all ends.
Hemi was a great dog. He was a big, energetic, occasionally bad, often mischievous clown. At the same time, he was a sweet, gentle man who loved people unequivocally. In fact, most of his "bad" occasions were rooted in his love for people. Like his running up to joggers and mountain bikers in off leash parks. All he wanted to do was say " HELLO". It wasn't his fault the objects of his affection sometimes, but not often, saw things differently.
Whenever he came to a new trail, he loved to tear down it to see what was there. One time we were approaching a wooded area that I knew had picnic tables scattered throughout. Trouble. He bounded ahead. I was miles behind. Suddenly, I heard shrieks. It took forever to catch up. There was Hemi. Front paws on the table, tail wagging like you would not believe, saying hello to a 80 something, non English speaking oriental woman. Another favourite trick was to raid the suitcases of uninitiated houseguests and parade around the house with an assortment of underwear in his mouth. Tons of spit but never a hole or tear.
Hemi touched many people in a big way. He was a PALS dog and regularly entertained seniors and the infirmed with his antics. He was treated like royalty by all vet clinic staff, doggy day care workers, and trainers that he encountered despite numerous thefts of cell phones, pens and gloves. And he loved his frisbee. And he especially loved his Mom.
I am so sad.
Thank you for this wonderful site, Ginny.