We knew a dog who kept a man

Posted Wednesday morning, August 26, 2020.

Ready to ride!: Art the Wonder Dog in his prime. Cape Cod, July 25, 2010.

Art the Wonder Dog is gone. His heart just gave out on him the other day at the house on the Cape he graciously shared with Uncle Merlin and he fell over and that was it. Uncle Merlin was right there. He was 13 years old. The first people he met after Uncle Merlin picked him up at the puppy farm were us Mannions. The first house he slept in was ours and he seems to have regarded it as one of his real estate holdings. He was a very pragmatical dog. What's yours is mine and what's mine is mine, was his way of thinking, but he was never stingy about it. He loved us and we loved him and we loved having him visit. He had his own bowl and toys and blanket at the Homestead.

Uncle Merlin is heartbroken, naturally. But he says he's not feeling bereft. Art's spirit still fills the house. And Art had a long, healthy, and happy life. Still...

Charles Dickens once wrote that he knew a dog who kept a man. Art kept Uncle Merlin, although Uncle Merlin refuses to admit it. Now, even though Art's spirit is still keeping him company, Uncle Merlin needs some keeping. We can't get to the Cape, but fortunately Uncle Merlin has lots of friends nearby. But if you could keep Uncle Merlin in your thoughts and in your hearts, we'd be much obliged. And Art would demand it.

Comments

[Janelle]

Our very best to Uncle Merlin. And we will raise a glass to Art tonight.

[Bill Wolfe]

Happy trails, Art. And happy memories, Uncle Merlin.