Remembering Riley

This last week our sweet little dog Riley passed away. It has been a hard week for all of our family- goodbyes are never easy. Any of you who know me know that I am not an animal person, but Riley was more that just the "family pet," he was a dear friend. He was there for each of us when we needed him most. He was a friend, a hunter, a comforter, a listener, a member of our family.
 I remember when I came home from my mission. He hadn't seen me in a long time, but he still remembered me. In those days and weeks that followed my return home, when everyone else was gone at work or at school, Riley and I bonded. We went on walks and runs, watched movies, and just hung out- helped ease the adjustment to being "back." He became my bud. As I eventually moved away and went back to school, later got married, and started having kids I wasn't able to see him as much due to distance, but I still thought about him and missed him. He had so much personality. He could tell if you were having a bad day and just needed someone to listen to, he always seemed to understand with his knowing eyes.
He was a hunting buddy to my dad. They always enjoyed those outings. I loved how when my dad came back, little Riley all tuckered out, he couldn't stop bragging about what a great hunting dog he was and how he out-ran all of the other dogs there. Riley was always very curious and playful. One particular hunting trip Riley had a run-in with a porcupine, poor guy! Not only was he tired but he had little red dots all over his face where the quills had been pulled out. I think he learned not to mess with those porcupines,  but that never stemmed his enthusiasm for new things.
Riley loved to run. I think his favorite place was the dog park at Marymoore park. He could run so fast! He always looked like he was smiling when he was running, we always would say that's because he loved to run so much. At that park he had the best of everything; other dogs, lots of room, and water that he always managed to jump into and get a swim.
In fact Riley sometimes would run off, we never really knew where he went, but he always came back dirty, stinky, tired, but happy. I think he just needed to get out every once in awhile.
When Riley would come back from getting all shampooed and groomed we would always think it was so funny how he seemed to strut around with his new do, all nice and clean.
There are so many memories we each have with Riley, and his passing did not come easy. I think all of us could agree that he is in a much better place, free of pain. I imagine him running as fast as he can through hills of grass chasing a squirrel or a bird or even a butterfly. Riley truly was one-of-a-kind and he will be greatly missed by all.
We love you Riley!