Sofie, our silky-haired terrier, died May 27, 2025, after about 15 years of life lived with gusto and joy. Someone said that the life of dogs is too short; it is their only fault. Some will observe that dogs figure out a way to destroy something valuable to you and poop in your home. Sofie did not do that, for we got her from some people in the parish at Logansport after that stage. She knew her territory, roamed around the edges, plopped herself down in the middle of the road of our little cul-de-sac, and brought a smile to others wherever she went. She did everything with joy and gusto, even if we were only letting her out to her do her duty. She always came back as if it was the most exciting thing ever. Her hair flowed back as she ran, her little legs stretching into a full gallop. She stayed a few years with Tim, Suzanne’s youngest son. With both Suzanne and Tim, Sofie relished licking their bare feet, and they enjoyed it. She rejoined us when we were still in Clearwater, and we took her with us to Trinity-New Port Richey. The end is always difficult with a dog. They usually have some awareness. They lose mobility and bowel control. In the case of Sofie, there was an odor. Dogs have a high tolerance for pain, so it is difficult to know what they are experiencing at the end.
