Cricket (2004 - 2017)

Cricket was a beloved dog.

She had that canine enthusiasm for life that easily spread joy around her but she had a quietness that let her peacefully fade into the background too. Wary of strangers, she greeted and followed friends with loving devotion and was at home with children. She was a tireless scout who was always exploring new trails, scents and mountains but if nipped by a turtle or tumbled by a wave she never forgot it and always proceeded with caution afterwards. Her love for leaning over dangerous cliff edges was matched by her dedication to digging out mini-caves to den in. She was compactly muscular with spring-loaded leg and speed to spare but would dainty tip-toe around a patch of mud. She was like a combat teddy-bear, ready for wilderness adventure, ready for hugs and curling up.

Cricket was my shadow around the house. From her bouncing greetings when we came home to petting her each day before leaving to work, she was always near, her presence help make this house into a home. Outside we had many daily walks together, always pointing out interesting things and smells to each other. When I would miss my mom I hugged her, like so many dogs she became an impromptu therapy dog, but she also embodied my mother by being raised by her until her own death from cancer. Cricket brought a lot of happiness into many peoples' lives, I was lucky enough to be one of them.

On Friday night it became clear her pain & discomfort out weighed her deep love for life. Part of me - the child part -  will never understand why you can't just press someone you love firmly to your heart and heal it. On Saturday evening, she was cremated in a pyre laden with lavender, sweet grass and cedar, the setting sun flared deep orange through the billowing smoke. Luma joined Cricket in the cremation. Despite the frigid night, the fire lasted until morning and is still smoking as I write this.

You will be missed beyond words. But the love and joy you spread with your endless enthusiasm and happiness still echo on inside us.  Thank you, Cricket. Farewell.

Cricket was a sweet dog that will be missed by all of us. She was a great dog to give belly rubs to and she was even able to keep Max in line. Goodbye Cricket and thanks for being part of our lives including mom's.

She was a quiet but joyfully omnipresent  presence in my life. I often find myself mistaking a pillow on a chair for Cricket, or I start to call her when I head out for a walk. I don't bother correcting myself. Why should I? Eventually those patterns will fade and only memories and photos will be left. Why not enjoy the last shadows of those patterns and spend some time with her?

I had no idea about Cricket. She was always a joy to be around and I remember her enthusiasm during our last trail walk by the river back in August. I will miss her presence / matriarchal oversight she displayed around you / Steph and the property when visiting. It will be quite different not to see her putting me on notice when arriving. I always smiled and chuckled to myself that I would need to get through her before coming in to visit.