"I Love Ya, Man"

For more than 15 years, handsome red smooth 'Frank' was the constant and loving companion of Michael Brownstein, keeping him company on drives to Montana

There's nothing more expressive than humans writing about the loss of their furry friends - the friends who are there to enjoy the good times with us, comfort us in the bad times, and are just always there to please - and then one day they are gone.  Michael Brownstein recounts his days with his beloved 'Frank' for the San Francisco Chronicle.  Here's an excerpt.  Thanks to Allen J Burton and David Larsen for sending in the link.

For more than 15 years, Frank was my constant companion. He joined me everywhere, including my frequent drives to a property in Montana. He'd drape himself across his favorite riding spot, my shoulders, until we arrived at our usual motel layovers. Then he'd leap to the ground as the motel keepers greeted him with an enthusiastic "Hello, Frank, welcome back!"

Back in the Bay Area, every day Frank awakened at 4 a.m. to accompany me from our home in Half Moon Bay to my surgery practice in San Francisco. My patients loved Frank and often spoiled him with toys and treats, and considered him a calming influence. At home, he was content to just sit at my side. I often couldn't resist picking him up, holding his beautiful little face close to mine, and saying, "I love ya, man." And I did.

When Frank turned 15, I started noticing subtle changes in him indicating that my little man was deteriorating from age. My wife and friends insisted Frank was fine since he remained active, playful and curious. However, I knew my dog better than anyone else. Turned out I was right.

Read the rest at the San Francisco Chronicle.