Farewell (1-27-09)

Post date: Jan 28, 2009 4:40:01 AM

A beautiful spirit has passed out of the world. Trevor's dad Ted died last weekend. He had just turned 10. This is Ted's official portrait:

But I love this photo, because this is the Ted I've seen so many times on agility courses across Northern California:

Ted and his mom Pat have been a fixture at AKC agility trials ever since I started competing. Their intensity, consistency, charisma, and flawless comic timing (when the occasion called for it) invariably riveted the crowd.

Off the agility course, Ted was a perfect gentleman--everyone's ideal Golden Retriever. On course, his drive, speed, and athleticism gave the impression of a dog half his age.

Ted lost his life to hemangiosarcoma, the same disease that took my precious lab Riggsie 2 1/2 years ago. Ted's death was sudden and unexpected. He was doing what he loved, right up to the end.

I don't know what your world is like, but in my world, when I go to agility trials, Pat and Ted are there. They always beat me, and they are always fun to watch. I can't imagine a world in which these things are no longer true.

One of the greats has left us. We will not see his like again.

Run free, beautiful boy.