Getting ready to drive out, with my roommate, to the house belonging to a friend who passed away recently. This friend, my roommate and a variety of other people from many walks of life are deeply tied to our recently departed friend in a shared true love of dogs, not as crops to reproduce as quickly and cheaply as possible for profit, not as status symbols to show off once in awhile but largely leave locked and chained outside and not think too much about, but as true companions whose joy and happiness is always on our minds.

This recently departed friend adopted many strays and rescues, and would love and comfort and provide for and shelter all that he could, and would find new homes for among his circle of friends so he could rescue even more. Many of these dogs had never known joy or happiness, among them Rosie, the one photoed here on my bed.

The first time I saw her, at this friend's house, she was absolutely terrified of everyone. A labrador afraid of people! My friend told me he had rescued her, and you could see scars through her fur where she had been tortured. Gradually between my visits with my friend, Rosie would learn to trust a bit more, and enjoy attention. Within several months, she actively sought out her attention and lost all her fear her horrible first owners had given her. She brightened my days and warmed my heart when my friend homed her with me. Unfortunately she crossed Rainbow Bridge a couple of years ago.

And, tragically, my friend who had rescued her and made her happy, as he had so many dogs and horses and many creatures throughout his life, has recently also crossed Rainbow Bridge.

I ready now to depart with my roommate, to meet up with a small sampling of my friend's circle of wag-heart friends to share our memories of a very good soul.