The end of the story—and so much gratitude

 

Sophie crossed the RainbowBridge late this morning, helped by our longtime family vet who made a housecall, for which we are eternally grateful. It was more peaceful than I couldhave imagined, and we are now picking up the pieces of our lives, assured thatshe is chasing squirrels with all her friends in doggie heaven.

I am overwhelmed and sothankful for the outpouring of response from family, friends, and most of all, you—myonline community. Sophie played to a wide audience and would be gratified athow many loved her. My gratitude runs deep, and I, for once, am almost at aloss for words. Bless you, one and all.

I can never replace Soph—she wasone of a kind, with her joy in life, her stubborn belief the world was heroyster, her need for tummy rubs and lots of love, her loyalty not only to mebut to the family and friends she knew well. I will get another dog, becausehaving a dog fills out my life. I think the longest I have gone without onesince grade school is six months. My theory about choosing a dog is like thatabout houses and cars—the right one will present itself at the right time.

Meantime, my heartfelt thanks.I’ll be back tomorrow and in succeeding days with reports on Irene’s doings,recipes from the Fifties and beyond, my own thoughts on our tumultuouspolitics, the sometimes horrifying international scene, and, I hope, lightheartedmoments. And someday soon, I may really write that book that’s been floatingaround in my mind: Dogs I Have Known and Loved.

For the moment, thank you andgoodnight.