It ended without fanfare on an unusually cool July night. Having spent the day keeping vigil with his companions, Deogy and Molly, Scout returned back to his home and greeted his human with a wag of his tail and a few doggy licks. An old dog of many veteran patrols of his land, he seemed tired and decided to skip his dinner which was unusual from his normal routine. I chalked it up to having gotten through several brutal weeks of intense heat and humidity and his age. I figured he'd eat later once he had rested. He curled up on the cool tile floor to do just that... rest for a while. An hour later he was gone.
He was surly at times and liked to speak in growl rather than bark. He had a few 'phobias' that, with a LOT of work, he learned to handle better than when he first arrived as a pup... the worst of which was being 'handled'. Trying to get a look at a stone bruise on one of his paws was a challenge for some time. Combing his extra thick fur out every summer was a small war for years. But, eventually, he came to trust me and allow this intrusion into his world with but small vocal gripes and grouses now and then. He was smart and brave and a damn good friend. I am going to miss him so much. Rest my friend. Rest in peace.