I have made several new friends this year, both human and canine, but I also lost some. My lovely friend Atena, the other dog in our family, passed away this summer at the honorable age of 12 years.

Atena and I were quite different. She was tall and elegant, I am short and robust. She was fearful, I am bold and adventurous. She was a wise and frail senior, I am still young and restless. We nonetheless got along well and enjoyed each other’s company. I often times shared my bed with her and we slept besides each other in the afternoons.

In the mornings, she and I used to join forces and bark until we were taken for a proper walk, rather than a simple run in the garden. And I was VERY protective of her. Even when it was uncalled for. Rest in peace, dear Atena.