Portraiture with Daisy
Originally uploaded by annus mirabilis

It's a hard day. We had to let D go this morning.

She was old and ill, of course, and life had been more difficult for awhile. Overnight, her breathing became labored and by this morning she was mostly unresponsive. We had to carry her to the vet on her sleeping bag, used like a stretcher.

She went painlessly, helped along by an excellent and compassionate vet -- nearly in tears herself -- and us sitting on the floor with her, giving her pats. George, one of the vet hospital's adopted cats, snuck into the room and made a nest in my duffle coat to watch the proceedings. It was strangely comforting. He seemed to know precisely why he was there, which was to help Daisy along.

A proper eulogy is impossible. It would be a eulogy for my 20's, for most of my adult life; for my relationship with my wife, for my marriage. She's been a crucial party to all the action. It's funny that a pet could hold such an esteemed position but ask around, and everyone who knew her knows it.

Anyhow. Raise your glasses, everyone. It's early on a Monday morning, and a perfect time for a toast.