"Life goes on," says Sarah.

But it sure has too much loss along the way for my taste.

On Friday we had to say goodbye to Trouble.

The beloved family dog for 13-1/2 years, he lived far past bullmastiffs' life expectancy and had a royally good life. Mom and Dad walked him twice a day, he peed on any fire hydrant he wanted to, he got consistent feedings by Sarah (exact to the minute, of course), he had access to the house anytime he wanted (and in his last year felt entitled to even the carpet, the naughty old thing). He even slept on a baby mattress with a homemade cover. Spoiled.

We got him when I was 13 and wearing a back brace. He was my loyal friend during awkward junior high and high school, and hung out with me in 9th grade when I was recovering from back surgery. He saw me leave for college and saw me come back again. I leaned on him to cry when I neared the end of college dateless and assumed I'd never get married. (And what a good listener he was.) He visited my elementary classroom and charmed all my students. He even posed for pictures in my wedding album! (Lo and behold, I got married. Thanks, Richie.) Then he greeted Luke upon his arrival home from the hospital at 3 days old, and saw Luke through his first year of life. The two formed a mutually symbiotic relationship. Luke enjoyed tugging his ears and tail, and Trouble enjoyed hovering at the base of Luke's high chair where Luke would gently drop him the tastiest organic morsels.

He was there through it all. Lounging in the entry hall, where he figured he'd get the most rubs.

But we all knew it was time for Trouble to go, so we had to give him a last kiss goodbye. It's crazy how you can get so attached to a stinky beast, and you weep when they go.

Last shots with my favorite puppy in the world.






Gracie's and my favorite attribute: his squishy lips!




Mwah. I'll miss you, Trubs. You were a good boy!

And finally, a tidbit overhead in the Sorbello kitchen. Related, but on a lighter note. Count on Sarah to find the humor in anything. Anything.

Mom: "Well, Sarah, what do you think?"

Sarah: "About what?"

Mom: "About life."

Sarah: "Well, life goes on!"

Mom: "Life goes on after what?"

Sarah: "The old dog dies, Christmas is over, and you have to eat leftovers!"