We went to the dump today, taking Fate and Bud as usual, and we were saddened to learn that “Bob doesn’t work here anymore.” That’s all we were told and all we know.

We will miss Bob Hersey. He is a fine human being and true and great animal lover, as well as a favorite photographic subject for me. All of our dogs have known him and loved him – Gus, Fate, Bud. And he loved them.

After my open heart surgery, Bob never allowed me to carry a garbage can from the car to the garbage bin. He always had time to give the dogs a treat, to coo at Fate in the high voice she loves, to make sure Bud got  his treat.

He  saved books and special things for me and for Maria, things he thought we might like that had been thrown out. He did that for many people.

I was hurt for a second, wondering why he didn’t tell me or say goodby, but that is silly, of course, he is not obliged to do that. I’ll run into him somewhere, this is not a big town, and I go by his  house almost every day.

Fate and Bud seemed disoriented when he didn’t show up today, his replacement was quite nice, but didn’t come out to grab the garbage can out of my hand or rush out to greet the dogs. A bummer.

He made going to the dump a pleasure, for us, for our dogs. Bob is one of those people who keeps my faith alive about the goodness and generosity of people.

Life is all about change, and people will come ago, like Kelly, like Bob, like so many others in my life.

If he could make going to the dump such a pleasure, imagine how many other lives he could brighten. I will track him down and wish him luck and thank him for the pleasure and courtesy he gave us, and the great love he offered to our dogs.