It's raining this morning. We need it after the dry summer and fall of last year, and even the moisture-less winter. Even though Stinky Wink loved snow, he really disliked rain. If the rain wasn't too heavy, he would "permit" a short walk. I would don jacket, umbrella, get the leash, and we would usually go to the top of the front lawn. He'd lift his leg a couple of times and head back to the house. If it was raining hard and I knew he needed to go out, I'd open the patio door. He would stand there, nose barely outside the door. I would say, "Hurry. Go potty." He'd look up at me like I was crazy. Then he would actually sigh, and take two leaps down the steps onto the patio and to the closest piece of grass, where he would quickly do his business--one or both. He would then race back to the steps and into the house. I had to put a small piece of carpet on the step up to the house because it was wood, and he would run so quckly that once he slipped and fell flat on his face. He wasn't hurt so I had to laugh because it looked so comical. He got up, walked carefully up the step into the family room, and gave me such a look of disdain! I chuckled again-to myself that time. He was such a clown sometimes. We always put his Christmas gifts in gift bags, with one piece of tape holding the tops shut. He knew there were toys in the bags, and watching him get into them kept the whole family in stitches. He loved that little game, and we loved him loving it. As we both got older, rainy days were days to stay in the house and be lazy. Sometimes we'd sit on the couch, sometimes he'd lie at my feet, and sometimes we'd be in different rooms. But each always knew where the other was. It's lonely on this rainy day. The good memories are beginning to be my company. For every sad and lonely thought I try to recall a happy or funny memory. Wink, you were such a light in my life and I thank you for that. I love you, my besses puppo!