Couldn't forget you if we tried

Dogs pass quickly through our lives and then hang around forever.

My daughter Audrey recently had to put down her family’s yellow Labrador Grace. She was a sweet dog, who in her 13 years saw the family grow to double figures. She was there in the background every time Audrey brought another baby home. She never growled, bit or snapped at any of the tiny folk who tugged on her ears or grabbed her tail.

Grace was also my father’s last dog. He lived with my daughter and son-in-law Aaron for a year after my mother died until he went into a nursing home. Dad was very fond of Gracie who sat by his bed and let him scratch her ears.

Aaron used to bring Grace up to Malta to hunt pheasants, and while she was never a great hunter, there were times when she did everything right. I’m sure Aaron well remembers the birds he shot over Grace.

My friend Erik’s dog Kash, who died last year, was a great hunter. A pretty little German shorthaired pointer, he and his master made a great team, both of them fit, strong and good-tempered.

Kash pointed a lot of birds and Erik missed few of them.

My wife and I kept Kash for a couple of weeks when he was a puppy and Erik was on assignment in Alaska covering the Iditarod. Kash remained always welcome in our house, even after lifting his leg and peeing on a chair in the living room a couple of years ago. I’m sure it was a statement of some sort, probably directed at me.

No doubt I had it coming.

My friend Dallas also lost a dog last year.

Berkely, his big, beautiful black Lab, had to be put down after it nipped Dallas’ granddaughter for a second time.

Unlike Gracie and Kash, Berkely was no sweetie. He didn’t play well with others. My dog Jem can attest to that, but Berkely was a excellent retriever and Dallas loved him fiercely.

I used to think dogs didn’t live long enough lives. Even those who died of old age seemed to be gone too soon. But I’ve come to realize their passing would be that much harder to take if they lived any longer.

So rest in peace.

Grace.

Kash.

Berkely.

We couldn’t forget you if we tried.

Parker Heinlein is at [email protected].