He is gone. I knew it was coming, but it still makes me sad. He was in pain and had forgotten how to smile. I’ve missed his smile. Some people don’t think dogs know how to smile, but they are wrong. He would have a special light in his eyes when he was extremely happy and wanted to play. I hadn’t seen that look on his face in months. That is how I knew it was time.

He was old. The vet had said he was between 3 and 4 years old when Dad adopted him. That was 15 years ago. Mom liked to tell the story of how Dad went to the dog pound to adopt a female terrier and came home with an Australian cattle dog. My human brother Doug said, “Hey, he only came home with one!” I guess Dad knew a good one when he saw it.

Mom and I went through hundreds of pictures. I wanted to find special ones that showed how special he was. I didn’t realize how long ago it was that he truly looked happy. Too bad she can’t use the ones I carry in my head. Fred, we all love you and will miss you. Find you smile again.