Well it seems a shame that the first time I get back here to post something in a long time has to be on such a SAD topic.  But that's life for you.  (stupid, stupid life...)

My buddies Bridget and Jason are putting down a member of the family today.  (and no, I don't mean "yeah we hate that guy, and he looks fat in those pants!" put down)  Noah the Yellow Lab has been part of Bridget's life since he was a tiny puppy (a good 12 years ago) and when Jason became Bridget's partner Noah welcomed him to the family.  It's a very sad day.

Let me first tell you a little about Mr. Noah.  Like all yellow labs, he has an air both of the noble and of the down-home about him.  He's ever so loving to his people, and I've been very honored to be considered one of his people for the last few years.  He loves to love, sticking his big, wet nose right in your face (or neck, or the back of your knees...  pretty much whatever he can reach) and licklicklicklicklickLICKlicklick!  It's his way of saying "you are so swell!"

He enjoys to chase the ball, to wrestle the chum (whether that be people or his adopted lil' sister-dog), to sneak the food and to get the scritches.  Of special place in his heart is anyone who will scratch the tummy or the rump!  Though he's lost some speed with the years, he can still keep up with the younger dog in the family when competing for the thrown toy, and he does this by cunning and sneaky-sneakiness! 

When he was little Bridget took the time to train him on all the classic moves like sit, lie down, heel, etc.  For a dog that big, it was always really nice that you could reason with him like that.  I've often been kind of intimidated by dogs of size, but Noah I knew I could hang with. 

And he has the most expressive and emotional of faces.  In a single evening I have seen him look happy, anxious, confused, eager, fierce and even seen him distinctly emote "what the heck were you thinking?"  To reinforce what all his face can broadcast, he's also loud of bark when he wants to be.  This can sometimes be a definite draw back (just ask Riley when he's once again wrecked a perfectly good nap!) but also can be a fabulous celebration of all things poochy.  Nothing says "hurray!" like a good, solid bark or two.

Noah also had his challenging aspects, to be sure!  The food-sneaking?  It has included entire loaves of bread, whole packages of Oreo cookies and even a bag of cotton balls.  Let's just say that Noah is not picky.  And though he's a big fan of most people, Noah did not take immediately to the addition of Maia, the littler black dog his family brought home several years ago.  He was quick to show his lack of enthusiasm for the new family member by trimming one of her ears by about an inch.  (it's ok, she barely remembers having 2 full ears and it gives her a jaunty look!) 

Noah has also been keen to (attempt to) kill-kill-KILL smaller animals when he thought that he could.  This could include cats, squirrels and even smaller dogs who wandered too close.  I can still remember a lovely summer day at Fall Creek when I learned that Noah could, indeed, fit the head of a small dog entirely in his mouth!  (quick action, Jason, to spare the silly little dog!)

Owning, living with and handling Noah has not been 100asy for the Kronholm family, and ever since adding their own kid to the portrait it's become more and more stressful.  No one can long endure a situation when you fear one family member may suddenly hurt another, and especially when you feel responsible for them both.  Bridget and Jason have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts to keep everyone together as long as possible.  But the time has come to make very, very difficult choices and the decision they've made is the best one for everybody.  I'm humbled by their strength.  I'm awestruck by their devotion.  I'm proud of their love for him. 

I'll be there by their side tonight as they lay him to rest on a lovely hill with a beautiful view and the sounds and smells of nature all around him.  I know I'll cry, and most of you know how seldom I let that happen, especially in front of others, but it's the least I can do to show my respect for a great guy who's been my friend.  I'll miss the big, yellow galoot.  I leave this post as a tribute to all he's been, and as proof that I knew and loved him.