Yesterday, Patches, our elderly, wonderful, good-tempered doggie died. He was a handsome dalmation-collie cross who had just turned 17. Though the last couple of years were somewhat difficult, Patches had a good life. He liked to work, supervising everything from bringing in wood for the woodstove to keeping the deer, woodchucks and bears at bay while I worked in the garden. He imagined that his favorite dinner would be squirrel, if only he could have caught one. The kids liked to get him to shake "hands," then toss and catch a biscuit that was put on his nose. Besides all this, he was a really good, cooperative model. Tomorrow I'll post some artwork that I've done using his image. Meanwhile, here are some photos of him. Goodbye and thank you, Patches; you were a great friend.
