For Fozzie

Today our family lost our dog of 13 years. He was a good boy, a beautiful golden retriever, loving, loyal, and totally neurotic. He loved us to distraction, and I loved him.  When I was sick last year and lay on the couch of my parents' home for weeks, Fozzie sat by my side, slept by my side, watched over me. He guarded me from harm.  He played often and raucously, learning to wrestle...really...and punch. I called him Chewy for how he brandished his teeth and sneezed all over me if I touched his nose. He was silly, rolling in the grass like a puppy up until his final days. We had him since he was as small as a melon and could sleep easily in our lap. Even when he was old, he still loved to sleep in our laps.  One of my favorite memories of him is curled up by the fire, toasting his old bones. Goodnight, Fozzie. I miss you.

"Fozzie by the Fire" Colored pencil, pencil, gouache.