Yesterday our best friend died unexpectedly from cancer. We are still numb and shocked. Just can't believe he is gone. We had just visited him this past weekend. I am so thankful that we did. For over the past 20 years he and his wife and me and my wife would travel all over SoCal, going to resorts together, thrift store shopping, dining, casinos, etc. We were like little kids when we were together...chattering incessantly, telling jokes, fantasizing...we had great times together. We also shared our most intimate bad times together.

Our two dogs have been a great comfort for us in this difficult time. They sense the sadness we have. They are such a consolation. They make us laugh. They still want their walks. They need to be tended to. There is no time to be alone and in deep depression. The dogs just won't allow it. They still want to be held and petted. Last night when they were both rolling on the floor playing together I couldn't help but be grateful to God for allowing pets into our lives. There's a reason for pets being here. In a lot of ways they are our emotional therapists. Be kind to your pets. Don't be cruel to any animals. They are all precious.

Rest in peace my dear friend. Wolfie and Bella miss you too.