December 28, 2008 – I often think – and write – that we are putting too much on our dogs, emotionalizing them and personifying them past the point of all reason. I took a long photo-walk in the woods with Lenore today (my dogs have three distinct roles. Rose works, Izzy does hospice work and shadows me around my world, Lenore is the Hound of Love) and while I fussed unsuccessfully over a shot, she sat down, happy to keep me company, always staying close, never distracing me or causing any trouble.
  I swear she has entered the artist’s spirit, respecting the work. I am grateful to Lenore. She kept love alive for me when I most needed it, and keeps it alive still. I look at her and smile, and my heart lifts. That is about the greatest gift one creature can do for another. She is always content to be near me and reminds me of what is important in life.