Badger was a complete sweetheart of a dog, and a huge sucker for bellyrubs. At the slightest hint from a nearby human, he'd roll over and present a luxuriously furry tummy to be rubbed. He was a real gentleman when we met him in Pennsylvania, and had just even been to the groomer so we could see him at his prettiest.

Oh, Laurie, I know it hurts, and it will for a time. How about you take a while this weekend, get yourself a clean notebook (or open a new word document) and write down all the Badger stories you can think of. Your grandsons have grown to be young men in Badger's presense, and I am sure they would regard a book of Badger tales as a priceless treasure. And as you write them out, you can think of all the happy memories, and maybe feel a little better.

Oh, pretty blue Badger boy,
Nowhere as fierce as your namesake
Softest fur and silly tifted toes,
Guardian of Laurie's heart, home and family
Rest in peace, sugar boy,
Restored now to the vigor of your youth
And watch over you family, still,
From your spot at the Rainbow Bridge.
We love you.