The first time...

[mizunoryu]

I remember when we were trying to name you.

We were in the yard on the big hill we always built sledding paths on.
Silly names came up.
Bart Simpson, I remember.
Then I said Max. From the Tiny Toons character Max who was a millionaire child.

So you were named Max.

But my sister and I always called you Macker.
She was always afraid of you, because you growled at her before around your food. Maybe because she was so small?

But I could feed you alone.
You never growled at me.

Do you remember the one time you brought me your leash?
Do you remember those nights I use to sit out with you until the mosquitos drove me inside?

I remember how you'd always try to get out, but would always come home to the porch.
I remember how you never learned not to pull on the leash while walking.
I remember how your mom came to visit and you didn't even remember her.

I'm so sorry we never house trained you.
I'm so sorry your days ended like this.
You were a good dog, you were.

It might sound odd, but I had a dream about you yesterday morning. I dreamed that you had died in my arms. Why did it have to come true so soon?

I'm so sorry I wasn't even there to say goodbye...

Max (Macker) Roscher
15+ years old
1990-2005