Love

May 4, 2026

The perennial question has always been, who recued who?

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The bright star that decorated the skies above this lonely planet has gone to another universe. Where stars go to rest, gather strength and recharge their incandescent batteries.

Her name was originally Daisy. Our rescue organization found her being given away in a basket at a WalMart in southwestern Virginia. She came to us as a fluke, a misunderstanding. We drove from Arlington to Fredricksburg, VA on a cold night in February. There was snow and deep darkness. And a tiny golden fur ball. There was never a moment when the outcome was in doubt. Annie slept in my lap and made off with my heart.

Annie was not your typical golden retriever. Her daddy crossed the crick as we say in the South. She was a magical blend of golden, duck tolling retriever and some other rascal with fur as soft as spun golden thread. Annie was very much her own dog, not content to join the pack. While not exactly aloof, she was cautious. Intrepid but never fearful. Her eyes were endless pools of amusement. Annie was a fellow traveler always in search of a new destination. I loved her beyond measure. And it will hit me tomorrow that she is not using the walk-in closet as her personal boudoir. Her bark sounded like a command, but it was really just a polite request. Today Annie shines from her starry galaxy. A golden light amid a sea of silver.

She reached the Rainbow Bridge in record time, greeted by Holly, Black Jack and Emmie. It was a perfect reunion of kind hearts and warm paws. Loved ones separated by brief spaces in time. I wanted more weeks and years, but was fortunate to have them for as long as I did. I will see you again Annie, I promise. Stars never forget.