It has been nearly a month since my last post. I have often found myself distracted, and sometimes feeling as if there’s nothing worth posting. Sadly, tonight I found a purpose. Another anniversary will pass in the next few minutes as I make this message public. It was one week ago today that our beloved family friend of so many years passed. Our dog Molly had been with us for 13 years. She grew up as my little sister grew up. During that time, she became one of our own.

After spending the last year ailing with creeping senility and other physical ailments, seven days ago tonight she succumbed. In fact, seven days ago at the moment I intend to post this message (1:18 am), Molly suffered a series of terrible strokes. Her body was wracked with seizures and her eyes with fear, as we struggled as a family to gather around and comfort her. We could only watch in helplessness as she faded away.

It has been many years since I have felt any degree of great emotional pain. I have often remarked on myself having become so emotionally detached that I feared nothing would ever affect me again. In fact, all my life I have been spared the terrible pain of losing anyone very very close to me.

I cannot — and would not — pretend that this treasured friend was anything more than a pet — an animal who grew close to our hearts. Yet somehow, after all this, it seems that that is enough.

Rest in peace, dear pup.