Burst of strength before the light goes out

Pardon a drive-by commenting. Since I'd mentioned him last night...

Ol' Shep's rallying was -- I might have guessed as often as I've seen it -- that burst of strength before the light goes out. I checked on him at about 5am, tried to make him comfortable, and by 7am he was gone.

Wandered up on the farm and into our family in the autumn of 2000. Blind in one eye, arctic fur in a sweltering clime, and couldn't learn sic 'em from c'mere. But a sweetheart, got along with all the other dogs and cats and kids. Kept trying to bite car tires, though.

Second dog we've lost. Biggest grave we've ever had to dig in our little pet cemetary. All our kids, a cousin, a friend, the Mrs, me, and the one cat who always comes to burials attended. So long, good guy.

Good night folks. Long and surely interesting[/] week ahead.