Seven months before The Climber's death, he wrote this in an email to friends
and family members:
I had to take my long-time companion to the vet yesterday and send him on to
a better place...
Scruffy was the best dog one could have ever wanted. He had the right mix of
independence, loyalty, and fun. We enjoyed many a hike, run, and walk together.
My wife found him just 2 months after we were married - he was always with
us.
Sixteen months ago, Scruffy hiked Mt. Sherman with Dad and me. He did well,
even though I had to carry him part of the way down the mountain. That was his
last significant hike. We even quit taking him on local walks sometime last
year.
Scruffy's sight and hearing were failing badly, and he had gum disease. The
past week he had blood in his urine and was getting quite unsteady on his feet.
Yesterday we could not even get him to take ham and cheese... so it was time. I
cried at the vet...
We have Mokie, who still has not adopted me like Scruffy did. I do hope to
have a dog like Scruffy again someday.
Five months before The Climber's death, he wrote this in a letter to
immediate and extended family:
Editor's note - with reference to this quote, see Philippians 3:14 in the
Bible.
