Milo

Today is a heavy day in the Caraher household. Our big old yellow dog Milo has reached the end of his earthly existence. I was hoping that he’d hold on until I got back from the Mediterranean, but his body is simply giving out and he’s suffering. He was my first dog, and he had an abundance of character. He was ornery, stubborn, and had an aggressive streak that we never managed to train out of him. He also was joy incarnate and he was always willing to bring the party. When he was excited, he would vibrate and whimper with enthusiasm on the way to the dog park. Once he literally bounced off the walls he was so happy to see me return after my summer fieldwork. He was also loyal to a routine (something that I can absolutely respect). When I would start the grill, he insisted on helping and all it took was me taking the lighter out of the cabinet for him to be ready to assist. Every morning, he had a piece of my banana. He would take a morning nap on his outdoor bed even when it was not…