Before You Hear It Throught the Grape Vine

you should probably get it form the source.

My childhood companion and consolation, my 13 year old dog Riley, died sometime in the night. I am so sad to loose him. Every day, I feel a bit older and wiser, but never have I felt so old and worn.

When our old dog Spencer died when I was 5, my dad was very sad. It was, up until last year, the only time I'd ever seen him cry. We got Riley as a puppy the summer after Spencer died. Spencer had been an old dog as long as I'd known him. I held Riley before his eyes had even opened. I whispered to him that I couldn't wait for him to open his eyes and see me. He scratched me as a newborn, and our rough start began.

He chewed up my dolls. He knocked me over in the backyard. He ate my mittens. He pooped in the house when he was a puppy (and as an old man) but I loved him, so so much. He was so naughty. He'd run away and roll in dead animals, swim in the Yahara River and get stuck. I'd cry every time I thought dad was going to give him away.

I have known for years how difficult this would be when he died. I had no idea.

I miss him so much.