Two great and amazing decisions of my life: November 30, 2008 I drove to Greensboro, NC and came home with a rambunctious Old English Sheepdog named Gertie. Her life up to that point had a bit of everything: drama, neglect, tragedy, abandonment, homelessness.

I knew it the instant I'd met her that we would write the next chapters together. I'd adopted Gertie at an integral part of my life. I had a lot of questions about the direction of my life, my independence, and coming to terms with who I was and who I wasn't. I learned that you don't always figure stuff out on your own, that you may meet a great teacher. The lessons I have learned from my best friend Gert-Trude have been vast and profound. Joy in living is the most precious of those lessons. I also learned to love what I had, and not be sad over what I didn't. I'd been single for a while and Gertie taught me to get over myself and pay attention to what's around me. (And that treats are awesome!)

She rescued me. The second greatest decision I've made was to let her go today. She was going to be 13 years old. Her quality of life was drastically reduced and I couldn't bear to think of her in any more pain. She was such a brave and feisty dog-bitch. I can't fathom how much I will miss her in the days to come, but I got to be there as she departed, brave, fierce, as she lived. I said goodbye to my best friend today. I love you, Gertie.

2001 - February 26, 2014