Hold them dear, for they own our hearts.

[Jon Sheets]

I had to say goodbye to my best friend and hunting partner yesterday. These last two weeks have been a learning experience.

First I learned what Hemangiosarcoma was. Then I learned the tumor was on her heart. (The same heart that beat in step with mine for the last 12 years.) Then I had to learn what a MF'er hermangiosarcoma is, and how it silently moves in to destroy all future hopes and dreams.

Fortunately for Abby, it's not painful. The pain is left for me to bear. She remained the stoic English Lady she was to the very end. Now she is running free, unwinded, on strong steady legs, and I am left to pick up the pieces of my shattered life.

We all carry on, but the hole left inside grows ever bigger, and the burden of loss weighs heavy. So while we have them (and them us), hold them dear for they own our hearts.