Tipper the Dog, 1996-2012

We found Tipper at the APL, an abused, skinny, and scared year-old pup.  Josh chose her -- the other two kids still remember the dogs they had to leave behind -- and named her for a restaurant in Put-in-Bay, on the Lake Erie Islands, that he had remembered from a class trip.  She was transformed by a loving family and a warm bed (ours) into a cheerful, lively, and loyal friend.

The last few months have been challenging for her, and it became increasingly difficult to watch the dog who used to accompany me for walks of three and four miles as she struggled to make it down the block ~ tail still wagging.  She stopped eating and drinking three days ago, and needed to be carried down the porch steps last night, so this afternoon The Lovely Daughter and I made the sad trip to the vet.  She rested quietly in our arms and left us peacefully.

I will miss my walks with the dog who made everyone smile when they saw us, and I will miss the dog who could always find the softest place in the house in which to recline.  Tip was a GREAT DOG.