Goodbye, Old Friend

October 1, 2025

This morning I got a text from a friend:

“Do you want news about him?”

I responded lightly, almost joking—

“Sure. Is he getting married? Moving to Mars?”

The reply came back dry and sharp:

“No. Nothing like that. Nate has crossed over to the other side.”

And in that moment, my heart broke. Again.

Nate was an important part of the life we shared.

My doggy soulmate.

Grumpy, smelly, and a snorer.

He liked to take long walks at bedtime, leaving us waiting impatiently for him to return so he could have his treat and we could finally close the front door.

He loved to cuddle with me.

He would bark incessantly if I didn’t pet him—sometimes even if I did.

He loved vegetables and eating whipped cream off of the floor.

I loved him. And he loved me.

I hope he didn’t suffer.

I hope he knows how much he meant to me.

And I hope Maggie is okay.

Make sure your volume is on.