Our beloved and beautiful Gray is gone, following his friend and brother Woolsey by eleven months

We always called him 'the world's most agreeable dog,' and he was surely that. Gray, also known as Gray-Gray, Gray-lee, and Grayson, was a true prince of a dog. His physical beauty was striking, and would often stop people in their tracks. He had classic coloration and big bright blue eyes, almost cornflower blue, set in full dark rims. There were salt shaker dots going down his back ending in a big white splash. From his first day to his last, he was heartbreakingly handsome. But it was his perfect disposition, his inside beauty, that made him such a treasure. He was forever sunny and amiable. Never, not once, in nearly twelve years, was there a cross or contrary moment. He had a serenity about him that showed in beautiful gazes that were his alone. He was a wonderful dog, gentle and true, and a bright and beautiful presence to both his pack and his human family. It's very hard to imagine finding another quite like him ever again.

He was easy to love. Half brother Woolsey adored him from day one, and to his own last day, he would never walk by Gray without a loving ear nuzzle. Gray had the very good luck to be introduced to a brother Old English at just the right age. Gray and Woolsey were as different in every way as day and night, but with only a two-year age difference, they became best friends and enjoyed, always together, the best of times. They were 'bookends,' barking at the same things, romping after the same squirrels, and each seemed to complete the other.

Gray had a funny little, characteristic way of throwing you a long backward look, and in fact, the first photograph we took of him showed it. He never lost it, and it was as if he were saying, 'Are you here with me, no matter what?' He never proceeded very far without receiving that assurance, and I think those blue eyes looking back, earnest, and true, will always be our poignant but very special remembrance of him.

Gray was almost twelve, but he always remained 'puppy Gray' to us. Like all Old English, but maybe to a little greater extent, he never grew up or lost his innocence. He remained purely sweet and a little vulnerable all his days. His muzzle never grayed, and those blue eyes never clouded. We took our last walk with him two days before he died, a very short one past his favorite places. May his soul repose in peace. Safe journey, sweet Gray and goodbye, dear friend. We will remember you well.

Carolyn and Thom Rhodes