In the Stands at the Dachsund Races, originally uploaded by johntynan.

We just gave away the last of our two dogs tonight. Last week, Alfredo went away to a journalist friend of Rene’s. Tonight we got an enthusiastic reply from a Craig’s List posting about Rigatoni from a detective with the Phoenix police department. He came by with his fourteen year old daughter and they took a liking to Rigatoni right away. After forty-five minutes of getting to know each other, they left with our dog, the dog we raised from a pup, and all her food and dog toys and leashes, tags and collars.

They are taking Rigatoni in for a trial run over the weekend. I think Rig’s new owner will really be good for her, being a police officer and all, but still; I am feeling an emptiness in my chest.

Afterward, Rene and I went out to a restaurant and I had two margaritas. The drinks kind of helped. I am sitting here thinking of the way Rigatoni would sit next to me after she had exhausted both her and myself from tossing and catching some ball or toy. I will think of M_______, her new owner, picking up from this very same place; scratching Rigatoni’s neck and behind her ears with that same relaxed pleasure and ease; and I will imagine the bond that will form between them.

Here’s to wishing Rigatoni and her new owners the best of times together!