Allow me to introduce Pete. Pete lives at North Forty Farm in Roxbury, CT. He’s one of those rare and wonderful dogs who can smile:
Pete’s a boxer-mix. He weighs over 100 pounds. I’d estimate that fifty pounds of that is head. When you first drive up to North Forty, if Pete hasn’t met you before, he will usually rise from his bed next to the riding ring and give you a few short woofs. He’s an impressive looking dog, with those big jaws, and if it weren’t for his slowly wagging tail and his affable smile, you might think twice about getting out of your car.
Pete’s owner Mike is in the army. When he is away, as he is most of the time now, Pete lives with Mike’s parents Mariann and Larry. Mariann and Larry dote on Pete, and when they’re not busy grooming and cleaning and mucking and tending to all the other duties involved in running a small horse farm, they are brushing out Petey’s coat or fluffing up one of his many dog beds.
The other day, Mariann told me that Mike was coming home for the weekend. Pete was lying at her feet. “Yes, Daddy’s coming home,” Mariann said, and Petey lifted his head and stared off down the driveway, his ears alert, his tail thumping the ground, his mouth turning up, ever so slightly, at the corners.
That is just the sweetest! Now that I’m done having babies, I’ve been thinking more and more of adding a dog to the family. This post makes me want to do it even more.
Today is a very difficult day, yet a day of peace. Today, Pete, the 9 year old member of our family has made his way to God’s great farm in Heaven. He is now and will always be missed. All who had the priveledge of meeting Pete will know how wonderful he really is (it just doesnt feel right to say “was”). Good travels, Pete! Pete, you are not just my dog and the family pet but the greatest and most loyal friend we have ever been blessed with.
I have faith that I will meet you again in bluer skies. Thank you, Pete.