Good afternoon from "The City." This will not be a regular blog, because earlier this afternoon, Sugar, AKA, The Cutest Dog on the Planet. AKA STWD, passed over the Rainow Bridge. 

She went peacefully with me petting her  as she passed. 

Mary took this photo shortly before Sugar passed away peacefully.

If you've noticed, my avatar for this blog is a picture of Sugar. Yes my loyal readers, she and I were that close. 

I've been keeping a diary on my desk that chronicles the many things about Sugar that I know as well as my thoughts about her inevitable passing. Maybe someday, I'll share those thoughts with Mary. 

Knowing the right thing to do for someone you love is not the same as doing what is right. We adopted Sugar nearly 15 years ago. Mary was working at home, and she felt the need to have a presence in the house while I was gone at school. Unbeknownst to each other, Mary and I had been separately perusing canine adoption sites after Sugar's predecessor, Stay-C, went to her final rest. 

Previously, we had visited New Orleans on vacation and when we saw all of the shop dogs there, we knew that we couldn't be without a fur-child in our lives. So, we made a plan to visit some shelters and took into account the opening times on Sunday's. The following Sunday, we went to the farthest shelter, Animal House, in Huntley, IL.

There, we perused the books of adoptable dogs and we chose Sugar as the first dog we wanted to meet.

Mary left the day room and I was there to greet Sugar when she came into the large room. For me, it was love at first sight. She was beautiful. To this day, people who met her have always remarked on her cuteness.

When I had my brain surgery many years ago, I was in rehab for many weeks. Mary brought Sugar to see me there and Sugar jumped into my lap and didn't want to leave me. Over the years, Sugar and I spent many hours in the Lazy Boy napping together. 

But, what can you say when someone you love has preceded you over the Rainbow Bridge?

Really, not much. If you are a dog person, and if you find that one special dog, and if you are lucky enough to have she or he in your life, cherish your time together. The same goes for that special person in your life. You never know when you won't have them any longer.

This may not be much of a eulogy, but for now, it is the best that I can do. Ciao.