Trapped in Time

Since Tucker’s death on Friday, both Forbin and Dobbs have done all they can to keep our spirits up. I caught this great moment this morning out on the deck as Dobbs already layed out to sun himself, while Forbin was in the middle of rolling over onto his side.

That’s not to say that the loss has gone unnoticed. The pack is one member short and they have both spent considerable amounts of time hiding under beds and in dark corners by themselves. It has only strengthened my belief in dogs’ ability to not only tap into human emotions, but experience similar if not the same ones themselves. Losing one of your best friends is not easy, and dealing with that loss is accomplished through humor, fun, quiet introspection, and ultimately just pure grief.

Runaway Jim > My Friend, My Friend > Manteca > My Friend, My Friend - Phish
5.5.93 - Palace Theater, Albany NY

This one is for you, Tucker.

RIP Tucker (2006-2009)

I got news this morning that my parents’ dog suffocated on a bag and passed away around dinner time last night.  He was a good animal, sometimes aloof and often insecure, but he was full of love and was a true friend to the other two dogs, and he’ll be missed by us all. To say we’re shocked and sad is an understatement right now.

I’m not sure if I can handle a Runaway Jim tonight or not, but somehow it would be fitting if Phish played it for him tonight.

saramcpherson:

The little nugget known as Tetris began her post-gutter life as Mr. Belding.  Tetris is a much more suitable name for her, because (a) she is a nerd, and (b) she likes to crawl under the covers and locate the smallest, warmest space possible—the crook of your knee or under your chin, perhaps—and then rotates her tiny body accordingly to fit there like a puzzle piece.  This practice in pets is known as pocketization (example: Tetris is always pocketizing, but I toss and turn when I sleep so I’m afraid of squishing her).  Pocketization is a term coined by the amazing Matt Simpson, and don’t y’all ever forget it.

Sara is pretty much the greatest. I’m missing my daily dose of tumblr, but it’s nice when I do take a look and find something that makes me smile.

Basking (via | view large on black)

If I wasn’t already a dog guy for life, he’s certainly made me into one.

(via forbin)

I was combing through some photos from way back as I piece together a little tribute to the Colonel.  The little guy turns 3 on Thursday, and unfortunately for the second time in three years I will not be with him on his birthday. I’m sure it’ll just be another day for him, so I won’t feel too bad about it and he will be getting a raincheck on his steak dinner. However, he’s been gone two days now, and the place doesn’t feel quite the same without him. His blanket doesn’t drape over the left arm of my chair creating his patented pocket, and there’s no one to greet us when we walk in the door.

I didn’t realize what a good photo this was until I went back to the RAW file and dropped in the grayscale version.  This will definitely go into the little project I’m working on.

My parents came up to the city today and I took them out for a late lunch.  My real gift to my mom (and dad) though was a week with Forbs.  Eugene and I are going to be out in Charlottesville on business for a few days, so Forbin needs somewhere to get his daily attention.

My mom’s a special lady.  She’s raised two quality sons and beaten cancer, and I owe her a whole lot, much more than a pup.

forbin:

How do I curb my 4:30 PM hunger pangs? Force myself to sleep… wherever that might be.

Not sure how you pull it off buddy, but you find ways to sleep in positions I would never find remotely comfortable.