This Era? It Is Officially Over

When you are immersed in something, say for instance a blogging conference, it's easy enough to think that the world should stop and wait until you're available to participate again before starting up. The universe, however, does not work this way.

Today, around noon, our beloved Teddy had his date with destiny.

I say our not to diminish in any way the singularity of devotion between him and his girl but because I have both read and participated in so many comments, posts, and conversations today surrounding the grieving process of our neighborhood dog community. His death alone is an immeasurable sadness. It also represents the end of an era. Ted was the last man standing of a core group of canine companions and as the unofficial mayor of Fort Greene Park he was deeply loved by many.

Even before we all lived over here Teddy and my Emily were friends. I still don't entirely understand their relationship. It was created using some unprintable recipe comprised largely of symbiosis and indifference. Perhaps they took each other for granted but that only seemed to prove how connected they were in a way we two legged hangers on could not comprehend.

I was fortunate to be able to say goodbye to Ted on Thursday night. We sat on the sidewalk and shot the shit and rubbed and scritched and sniffed. He smelled perfectly of dog, a scent so enormously comforting to me I can't believe no one has thought to bottle it and give it out as a gift with purchase when you buy any anti-depressant. I didn't actually speak the word goodbye to him but just before I went I turned back and whispered in his one eternally flopped over ear that I loved him.

I'm sure you can understand what a great loss this is for Teddy's Girl and that you know what I'm going to ask you to do. So, off you go, treats for everyone, please.

And Ted? I love you. Goodbye.