farewell, my dear watson

i recently heard the heartbreaking news that one of my favorite dogs, that i had the pleasure to meet and photograph, has passed away.

handsome golden retriever watson, with his googly eyes and distinguished white mask, lived a very respectable 14 years with his family in mississauga. even though his eye sight and hearing were failing, everyday (including his last) he would make the trip out into their vast backyard sniffing around, exploring his territory and digging in his favorite spot under the shade of the trees (which his family can’t bear to fill in).

i first met watson in june of 2008 and saw him on a handful of occasions after that. everytime i visited, he would always make the effort to waddle over from wherever he was in the house to greet me. his family moved to a new house over the time period since i first met them and they were delighted to watch him thrive in his new backyard domain.

watson was genuinely loved my his family, who were with him to say goodbye.

you will be missed my friend.

“i know, my dear watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. you have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.”  (sherlock holmes) ~ sir arthur conan doyle