To the dogs

This obituary apparently ran in The Idaho Statesman on 2.10.08. And because the rag, known for its backbone and wide stance, pulled the obit from the web site, I'm posting it here.

Opi Gomez My son closed his eyes Jan. 25, 2008 as his head was in my hand. My dearest son, you came into my life and left your paw prints engraved into my heart and soul. Opi was a true angel that left paw prints on many hearts. He also taught many lessons to people, one being me. He was a unique and fortunate little angel. He had his mommy and daddy and his DOG HOUSE FAMILY. Opi spent his last years in full-time day care, with his momma Linda, Richard and Carley; not only was he cared for, but spoiled rotten to the point they thought they owned him. Opi was an avid traveler, going to Mexico quite often and across the U.S. many times. He loved to dress up and strike a pose for anyone with a camera. They say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, in death, I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one else could fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again. We miss you dearly. LOVE MOMMY AND DADDY.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 2/10/2008.

In typical Idaho reactionary fashion, people have written the paper to show their outrage at having a dog sully the sacred spaces of the obituaries.

They're all dead. They don't care.

Sheesh.

Yuri Feesh

New animal in the house! Arrived Tuesday night, fresh from Petco...

Requiem for Peeg

My betta for the last three years, Peeg, has been on a steady decline for the past few weeks.

Thursday, one of his eyes turned white. This morning, he was at the bottom of the tank, struggling to breathe. Tonight, he was upside down at the bottom. I fetched the net for the big swim

Bad thing was, he wasn't expired.

I don't know about quality of life for something like a fish. It's a living thing. It can feel pain. And I know the end was quick for him.

It's just weird that I had him for three years -- bettas are only supposed to live 6 months. He lived in almost as many locations as the dog and cat -- four out of my five domiciles in Idaho. He was older than Murphy. So it was a little awkward to end it by flushing him down the toilet.

But hey, he had a good life for a feesh. And I know he was just a fish. But he was my fish. And dammit, a good fish is hard to find.

Rest in peace, Peeg. May you frolic forever in the cool waters.