Ohiopyle State Park (PA) July 2008

 For Treynor, whose time with us was entirely too brief. My golden friend, in a short span of years, you defined and epitomized companionship, amiability and demonstrated true courage. As a companion you were always at my side, giving me strength and support in good times and during periods of personal illness and tragedy. Your amiable spirit brought joy to not only those around you but also to all of those many people who you always had to meet during our travels together. Many of my fondest memories are of watching you interact with people of all ages and animals of all stripes. Somehow you usually managed to win over even the grumpiest non-dog/animal lovers and every once in awhile even the meanest of your fellow canines. Your courage in fighting the cancer that eventually brought you down was admirable, inspiring and heartbreaking. As the days progressed, you endured setbacks but readily overcame new challenges. Through all of this you still managed to regally greet visitors with your favorite stuffed dog faithfully hanging from your mouth. I only wish that I could experience a fraction of the indomitable spirit that was within you. It is unfathomable and a credit to that amazing inner strength that you were able to keep it burning brightly right to the end.

Nags Head Beach 2003

On a very cold Friday January 28, 2000 I took a drive to Albright WV to adopt a Golden Retriever that I had already decided to name Treynor. On a cold rainy Monday November 24, 2008, my best friend and companion Treynor was taken from me way before his time by a terrible disease called cancer. Between those dates, Treynor and I travelled frequently, played, met great people and had many excellent adventures together. He was only eight years old when he left this earth. We had so many more places to see, people to meet and adventures to come. He will forever be my little boy and I will miss him forever. I told him many times that he couldn't get rid of me that easy, and somehow, someway we will be together and I will be by his side once again.

I tried my best and with everything that I could to provide Treynor with the best possible life that he could have. Like most parents, even though I made this effort I will never feel I did enough. I wish that I could have done more to prevent or at least delay his premature demise. Its something that will haunt me for the rest of my days, should have, could have, would have.

At this stage of my life I most likely will never be rich or famous. However, it is my one wish that even if I do or accomplish nothing else in my life, that if I can prevent even one animal and their companion from experiencing what Treynor and I went through, then I have indeed accomplished a great deal.

If you find any unexplained lumps large or small (may resemble warts) or if your dog (or cat) starts limping for no apparent reason, I urge you to have your vet examine them. If your vet indicates to you that it is probably nothing, please get another opinion. Warts are caused by viruses, cancer is or is caused by viruses.

www.2dogs2000miles.org

Bullocks Pen Park Churchill spring 2000

There is an eerie coincidence in this picture. The spot in woods is visible where we met up with a pack of dogs during our walk one day, Treynor broke from his leash and ran off with them. It was a very cold Saturday December 23, 2000 and shortly after Treynor's first birthday earlier in the month. Frantic and devastated, I was determined to find him. With a lot of help from some really great people, including but not limited to Officer Robert Chambers and the Churchill Police Department, (Churchill PA), Treynor and I were reunited on December 31, 2000. The best new year's eve ever.

Oh, and to the lady from Murrysville PA who called to tell me that she thought that she had found Treynor but would not give me her name and told me that she had no intention of giving him up. Fortunately you did not have Treynor but did you ever hear of caller id?