George is in Doggy Heaven.

George

Age 11, ~1999 - February 03, 2010

You were, and remain, my dearest and truest friend. Wait for me, okay buddy?

Nickname: Buddy

I took George in for a friend of mine who couldn't take care of him anymore... She was going to have him put down and I said no, I'll take care of him. I'm glad I did. I have never loved anything quite like I loved that dog. He was my constant companion.

George knew the word "walk" very well. You wouldn't even slip in into a sentence and he'd be on his feet. We started spelling out w-a-l-k around the house. He was a great dog to walk, loved to take his time and sniff, and stare at cats and squirrels (two other words he knew very well). When propositioned for a walk, George would let out this hilariously endearing half-howl-half-growl of excitement, which sounded an awful lot like a wookie. I called it his "chewy noise".

Took George camping with me and a friend. We were out in the middle of nowhere. He loved it. He played, ran, protected us from anything he thought we might need protecting against, slept beside me all night and, of course, supervised every time it we cooked bacon over the fire.

George was my faithful companion, and very patiently sat in the front seat when I got my 67 Chevy Impala, which was my first non-automatic car. He didn't even complain when my bad attempts at shifting gears threw us both at the dash. I think he was relieved when I mastered the art of the standard, though.

George loved the snow. He was part husky, and every time we'd get a new snowfall, it was is greatest joy to go out with me and play. I'd throw snow at him and he'd catch it, shake his head, and romp in the snowbanks, barking and grinning.

George didn't suffer long. He got very sick very fast and had to be put down on February 3, 2010, as he could no longer eat.

I would have given anything to have another year with him, even a year of my own life. It brings tears to my eyes to say that, because I know without a doubt that he'd have done it for me.

Energy does not die. It only changes form.
Are you with me, friend?
I hope you can find me on this dark ragged coast.
I can feel your love through thorned miles.
Salt of the earth.
My. Heart. Keeps. Breaking.