Sad day

Our dog died today.

How do I even begin to say how special and wonderful Tundra was? He was such a good friend. I know everyone has the best dog in the world, and that is- was- true of us too.
Tundra had a charming if sometimes odd personality. There are "trails" in the yard from where he would jog around the house. It didn't matter what the season was, he jogged around the house. He followed me upstairs, downstairs, in, out, wherever I happened to be going. He might be asleep on his bed in the living room, but if I went into the den to check emails or play on the computer, he came right in and lay down by my feet. If I went upstairs to my sewing room he followed up the stairs and lay on the only available floor space I have. In the kitchen he lay himself down right in front of the sink, it didn't matter if I was trying to wash the dishes, he wanted to be right there. I'm glad I never scolded him for that, because I would give my sewing machine right now if he was here under my feet.
Tundra loved winter- he adored snow. He would roll in it, tunnel under it, eat it. I think he was happiest in the winter.
Until now, my family are the only ones who knew that I danced with the dog. Yes, I admit it, I danced with the dog. He would dodge from side to side and when I called to him to come dance he would leap around and hop from side to side with me. It really was probably the least artistic or graceful dance the world has ever seen, but he loved it, and I loved to do it with him.

Last January I had some surgery and he stayed by my side from the minute I came home from the hospital. He even followed me into the bathroom to be sure I was okay. If someone came to the door he barked at them to leave me alone.
I am having a hard time believing that I will never look into those liquid brown eyes and see all the love in the world there, or stroke his softer than soft fur and hear him "purr" with pleasure.
Tundra had a wonderful quirk when he looked at you, he would smile and then wink one eye. Just last weekend a good friend was over and when I called Tundra my good ole boy, he said "he just winked at you!"
The wind just got a little colder, the clouds just got a little more gray, and the Christmas lights are dim.
I know we will get past this, but I also know that Tundra took a little piece of each of our hearts when he left today.
Good bye my sweet boy

I love you