here, boy

It could be a few weeks, it could be a few months. But either way, the end's been mentioned for our English Setter. 

Happy, heart-shaped patch upon 'round his eye, he is a love of a pup. And according to my husband, he's as money in the field finding birds as he is loyal in loving those with whom he lives. 

My great grandmother once noted that it's a blessing to not know what tomorrow's going to bring--in goodness and misfortune, not knowing about tomorrow's unfolding keeps one from worrying over or celebrating that which isn't even in the books yet--leaves us to settle into the now.

Yet, our boy's diagnosis is a bit of a boon even in its disappointment because it reminds me to savor the todays while we have them. And him. 

Errands with a co-pilot, extra pats and scritch-scrathes, making time to sneak in an extra block, letting the kids take the leash, more eggs scrambled for sharing, more packages of bacon for frying.

More loving, less barking.

There is nothing like the steadfastness of a good boy or girl in one's life. The loving without ceasing, the eagerness in pleasing, the tail wagging to greet, the joy-filled hustle to go for a walk, the contentedness that is an open window ride down the road. 

Our house won't be the same when our boy's gone; it will be better because he lived, loved, and tucked in among all of us here.