Fifth Avenue Forum

A few hours ago I had to say goodbye to one of the best friends I ever had. My beloved Eli is gone. About two weeks ago his health took a bad turn and we kept hoping things would improve, but they did not and Dr. Scott Bastian was kind enough to come to our home and end his pain. I know, to many people, a dog is “just” a dog, but Eli was with me, literally, every day for the last 11 ½ years. I am completely heartbroken and miss him more than I can put into words.

But, I don’t want the last two bad weeks to overshadow what a great life he had. One of the things I loved the most about Eli was that he was such a happy dog. He was also the most gentle, loving dog we’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. When friends or my clients came to the house, he always trotted to the door, tail wagging, eager to greet them and welcome them into our home, oftentimes pushing himself between their legs to “herd” them into the house.

Eli traveled with me to 17 different states. He went to Maine and saw Stephen King’s house, twice. He played on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. He saw Coney Island, plantations in south, and trekked along as I sought out haunted graveyards all over the east coast. He stayed in countless hotels and rental cabins where he lounged on the beds and couches like any experienced traveler. He had birthday parties and opened Christmas presents by tearing the paper into teeny, tiny pieces. He loved seeing buffalo and deer. He loved soft serve vanilla ice cream. He loved Cheeburger Cheeburger in New Jersey. And he loved us. And we loved him.

And, my God, losing him hurts so bad I can barely stand it.

I love you, Eli, and I’ll miss you forever.