"My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today." - Richard Adams

It might be a somewhat cheesy quote but it seems to fit. If you have already read my brother's journal or you have had me tell you, one of my dogs passed away today. He was born with an enlarged heart and we knew it would catch up with him eventually but it was one of those things you did not think about and just enjoyed the time that you had with him.

His name was Churchill and he was my brother's best friend and companion. They shared a lot - included a heart condition - and where my brother managed to beat his, sadly, Churchill's condition could not be beaten. He still lived his life to the fullest though. I had never seen a smarter, more happy go lucky dog in my life despite that fact that he could not run for as long or play fetch as often as his older companions, he still tried his best to keep up with them. He was always so full of life and I will miss coming home from college to find him terrorizing his "brother" Lincoln or his "tormentor" Reagan. I will miss the way that he would come to you with his leash curled into a few loops - he would do it himself and we never figured out or caught him doing it - and stare at you with huge eyes until you hooked it to his collar and took him on his walk.

He will be missed and his "brothers" - the other puppies Lincoln, Reagan and Patton - will sorely miss their dear companion. I miss him terribly but will always remember the time I had with him and growing up with him.

Rest In Peace my dear, dear friend.

I know the angels are taking you on walks now, you can catch as many balls as you want now and you will never have to worry about being tired or not being able to keep up again.