After 15 wonderous years, we had to say goodbye to Sammy Boy this Monday. He was a dog with a heart as big as him. With that heart he taught many to be enchanted, not affraid of dogs. Never fierce and always smart, he was a member of our family like anyone else.

I’m sad to think of his gate now lying unused and the couches free of his fur. I’m sad to think of hugs that will go uninterrupted by his strong objections. I will miss my favorite dance partner and my occasional pillow. He is already missed by many and that will not change.

I listened to this song on my way home last night and as I read the words over again, I see Sammy quite clearly in my mind. He is in my dad’s backyard under the light of a full moon and indigo sky. His white hair is glimmering like fresh snow and his dark brown eyes look playfully at me, waiting for my next move. He has that big, beautiful and mischevious smile that has been missing and he moves through the grass without an ounce of pain or hesitation. He is the Sammy we all had missed. He is the Sammy that he will always be.

Magic
Ben Folds Five

From the back of your big brown eyes
I knew you’d be gone as soon as you could
And I hoped you would

We could see that you weren’t yourself
And the lines on your face did tell
It’s just as well

You’d never be yourself again

Saw you last night
Dance by the light of the moon
Stars in your eyes
Free from the life that you knew

You’re the magic that holds the sky up from the ground
You’re the breath that blows these cool winds ’round
Trading places with an angel now

Saw you last night
Dance by the light of the moon
Stars in your eyes
Free from the life that you knew

Saw you last night
Stars in your eyes
Smiled in my room