Our dog friend Strider died last night. He’d been a constant friend to us as we ran by his house several times a week for the past 13 years; Diane and I went running this morning down by the rivershore. As we turned into the trail the dogs across Cochran road .. Coco and the two Doberman’s at\u00a0 Deb’s house.. started barking like crazy. Not just their normal barking.. but an insescent wail.. almost a question. Chai and Satori couldn’t make out the sound either They stayed with me while Diane went to check what was up with all the dogs. She came back a few minutes later to tell me that that Strider had died yesterday night.. \u00a0 I knew it was coming.. but still it brought me to tears. \u00a0 I knew he had not been doing well.. he was in clearly in pain. so I said my private good bye to him yesterday morning.\u00a0\u00a0 He would always be standing outside of his house watching me and the dogs run by.. The dogs and I would always walk over to him to say hi. I’d scratch under his chin and he’d smile.. He really did smile.. he had this funny way of curling his lips like he was going to growl\u00a0\u00a0 which meant he was happy.\u00a0\u00a0 I’m really going to miss him.. Good bye my friend . .. I wish you peace..<\/p>\n
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As I’m writing this I just found a note from Strider’s owner in tonight’s Richmond Front Page Forum .. Here’s the note<\/p>\n
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SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE BONES I am passing along some final thoughts from Strider – Francis<\/p>\n Hi Neighbors – I’m not going to be making my morning rounds around Dugway, Cochran\u00a0 Road and Wheeler Lane to visit you any longer.\u00a0 I wanted to thank you\u00a0 all for taking such good care of me.\u00a0 You fed me bones and treats, you petted me and called me a good dog.\u00a0 You gave me rides home when you thought I was lost or had wandered too far.\u00a0\u00a0 I loved riding in cars and I especially loved getting treats on my rounds.\u00a0 You can still give your treats to Cocoa – she a really good dog and has been a best friend to me lately.\u00a0\u00a0 A big shout out to Max & Elcie across the road – keep howling – AWOOOO!\u00a0 Chai & Sartori – thanks for the bones!\u00a0 To the mailman, I hope you enjoy delivering the mail in peace and quiet.\u00a0 I’ve got a resting place where I can watch Cochran Road and Wheeler Lane – so drive slow.\u00a0 Thanks to Virginia Clarke for making an extra trip out to see me in the end.\u00a0 I’m off to a place where my hips don’t hurt, I can run up and down hills, chew sticks into little toothpicks ! <\/p>\n I thought of Strider all through my day..\u00a0\u00a0 This evening I had a show down in Monkton. I was feeling a bit sad.. but the prospect of doing the mad science thing cheered me up. I always enjoy visiting the kids in Monkton. Tonight it was cub scouts from monkton, New Haven and Hinesburgh.\u00a0\u00a0 The show was noisy and fun.. a great group of kids..\u00a0\u00a0 After the show, the scout masters of both packs each handed me\u00a0 very generous checks Sam’s fund.. I didn’ t even know they knew.. Once again\u00a0 today I was moved to tears..\u00a0 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I love people….\u00a0\u00a0 and dogs.. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gnite Sam \n<\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our dog friend Strider died last night. He’d been a constant friend to us as we ran by his house several times a week for the past 13 years; Diane and I went running this morning down by the rivershore. As we turned into the trail the dogs across Cochran road .. Coco and the … Continue reading Wednesday night – Strider<\/span>
By Molly D
Wed, 20 May 2009<\/p>\n
\u00a0and swim all day long!
Take Care,
Strider<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/i147.photobucket.com\/albums\/r319\/johncohn\/may2009\/may2009008.jpg\")
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-me<\/p>\n