The End of an Era

With great sadness I have to announce the passing of Dayton, our beloved chocolate Labrador. Jodi and I made the most difficult decision ever on Saturday...the decision to euthanize our 14 year old dog. Renal failure had taken it's toll on her body to the point that it was no longer bearable to watch. Near the end, her activities were accomplished only with pain and malaise. It was clear she was not enjoying life with the gusto of only 2-3 months ago, and it was also clear that something must be done.

Her passing marks the end of an era for us. The end of a time in our lives where things were much simpler. Dayton, along with her departed sister Hudson, comprised a pact of love and loyalty that nurtured my wife and I through the first 14 years of our own relationship. They were our life, our passion, and a major means to our happiness. There will never again be something similar, because things are different now. We are older & more experienced. We have been married longer. We are busier, wiser, and in some senses...colder, than when this journey began.

Rest in peace Dayton. Find your sister; and the two of you find a nice spot to lay and watch over us.