Yesterday I received word that our friends Larry. Leah and Hannah’s   Italian greyhound Bruno passed away 1 day short of his 16th birthday. This dog had really had an amazingly long and happy life. Somehow.. that never makes saying goodbye any easier. I remmebr this dog used to bark his head off whenever I came in to their house in Pittsburgh..   it used to be a running joke that he’d only bark at me..

I spoke with Larry. leah and Hannah yesterday.. they’re all hurting. We talked about societies expectations about how we’re supposed to deal with loss.. and the differences we’re supposed to feel between pets and people.. I think love is love

Here’s the note that Leah sent out yesterday.. I was really touched by her request at the end that we all hug our furry friends in Bruno’s honor. I hope she doesn’t mind me passing that along:

Dear friends and family,
 
Just one day short of his 16th birthday, our loyal companion Bruno passed away with the help of the vet who has taken care of him for most of his life. Officially registered as Bruno Pileggi with the American Kennel Association, he was the fourth member of our family for as long as any of us can remember.
 
In memory of Bruno, pass along a hug to one of your own warm, fuzzy friends.
 
Larry, Leah and Hannah

Goodbye Bruno.. you will be missed …

nite all.. nite sam
-me