Today is a sad day because John’s family will have to say goodbye to Hobo on Saturday. He has provided faithfulness, comical antics, grace under fire, an alarm system when strangers appear and untold love to a family of three. LJ grew up with Hobe’s … I guess you could say they grew up together. I don’t think Hobe’s ever knew he was a dog….he assumed the role of “brother” to LJ…..falling asleep by him on the floor in front of the TV, chasing the basketball, jumping on the bed to wake him up in the morning…..stealing his food….all the stuff that brothers do to one another.

He was a companion to John on his many walks or following him around the yard to watch the week-end mowing, planting or leaf raking. John was the “master”….the one who taught him to mind, to have good manners….to be obedient. He respected John because he was the trainer who brought the best out in him. He was pleased with himself because John often told him he was a “good dog”….and he knew he was….because of the journey they had taken together.

To Barbara, Hobe’s was her “sweet boy”……..it was Barbara who always loved him like a mother….unconditionally. She didn’t demand his obedience or understand how to train a dog. She didn’t play rough and tumble with him. She just enjoyed giving him treats, unearned, and supplying the kind of softness that he needed when his feelings were hurt, when he felt guilty or when he was sick. He knew she was a “soft touch” and like a kid, would depend on that to get him what he wanted. It always worked with Barbara.

As for Hobe’s extended family and for all the friends of John, Barb and LJ…..we will miss him like our own. He was generous of spirit, unselfish and available to anyone who came. He gave back everything he had in him….and he hung on as long as he could because he knew he was loved. If he could say anything to the family now, it would be, “thanks for taking me in….it’s been a great ride.”

We will all be crying on Saturday.

Until tomorrow,
Essentially Esther (Proud grandmother of Hobe’s.)