This photograph was taken five years ago, when our little black miniature poodle was still able to get along on her own, even though by then her hearing and her vision were becoming impaired. She was then just over fourteen years old. Her physical decline and her mental confusion were yet to evidence themselves as real problems.

Our two little dogs were able to get about on their own without much in the way of supervision from us. They simply followed us as they were accustomed to doing, from their puppyhood on toward adult canine life, when they shared with us all the adventures that we set out upon, enjoying natural surroundings and appreciating the geological anomalies of nature.

Like much else in life we were unable to visualize a time when her life cycle had completed itself. Imagining life without her as a companion was simply never an issue. Human beings don't tend to dwell on the endings of things, particularly life-endings. If we did we would be completely incapacitated, incapable of going through life as normal, well-adjusted human beings. Our thoughts would take us constantly to what we imagine to be annihilation of being, of thought, of presence, of everything.

Life, brief though it is, is precious and to be appreciated day by day. And we did our utmost to ensure that we did appreciate what life offered us. Regardless of the season there was always a reason to celebrate life, to share it with loved ones, to take advantage of all opportunities to live life to the fullest. Our little Button was a dauntless explorer, curious about everything, unlike her little male toy poodle companion, who recognized adversity everywhere and had to summon up the courage to proceed; she simply forged ahead, independent and determined, though with sufficient perspicacity to foresee and avoid danger.

We speak of her often now, of the times of her life when she was bold and intrepid and always alert to occurrences that excited her interest. She had her habits and we had ours. One of which was to depend on always seeing her around, a little black, restless and fleet-footed female dog who had become a constant companion.

And then, suddenly, she was no longer there. We feel her presence at times but she is gone. Time is said to heal all wounds, it has yet to heal that wide gap left raw in our lives. We miss her dreadfully.