Ergie

Paul and Ergie at our cabin at Wakaw Lake in 1992.

Ergie was a present from my sister. I'll always remember the day Raissa brought Ergie home. Ergie shivered in the palm of my hand, looked up into my eyes -- and barfed :-)

After that initial trauma, as Ergie grew, she and I had wonderful times together. I fondly recall the warm, trusting pressure of her body wrapped over my shoulders as we'd drive in my car with her nose pointed out the open window.

When I moved to Japan in 1985, my Dad and his wife adopted Ergie and she stole their hearts.

Ergie and I used to "talk" long distance -- she'd always recognize my voice. But as the years went by, she learned that when I'd arrive for visits, but lived out of suitcases, that meant I was only visiting....

She always had a soft spot for me, but dogs are loyal -- and need loyalty in return -- so eventually she relegated me to the second string in her affections, and rightfully so.

Ergie lived a long and pampered life, but eventually age, arthritis, and cataracts took her to the point that Dad was forced to make the painful decision to put her down. When he called me in Tokyo I commiserated with him and supported the move. Then I hung up the phone, took a deep, manly breath, and... my wife Yumi was busy feeding me tissues for a good while.

Thanks, Dad and Maura, for giving Ergie a caring, happy life.

Ergie? I'll always love ya, pup.