Our four-legged children

This past Sunday, our Boston terrier Sadie passed away. Many of the condolences we received contained the phrase “four-legged child.” That really best describes what a loved pet should be, a member of your family.

Sadie was happy not only at home, but at PGN’s office as well. Each morning, she could not wait to go to work to meet her PGN family. Weekends without the office were a disappointment for her. Of course, that could be understood since in the office, she was constantly getting treats.

She had her favorite people, too: Carol, whom Sadie had a running battle with regarding how many times a day she’d need to go out, since each time she did she thought she deserved a treat. She knew our graphics head/photographer, Scott, by his steps. Each time he headed upstairs, she was at the top of the stairs to greet him.

Recently, we’ve had another puppy in the office. Her name is Skylos. At first, Skylos did everything she could to get Sadie’s attention, but Sadie just ignored her. After several weeks of Skylos doing everything but a Rockette’s kick line, Sadie finally gave in and started to play with her, but of course it was by Sadie’s rules.

It was always by her rules from day one. She chose me rather than me picking her out. When she was a young puppy, I had to rush her to the vet. In traffic, rushing as if in a Keystone Cops movie, I looked over at this 8-week-old puppy and said, “If you/we survive this, you better remain a puppy.” She did. When people asked her age, I always replied “a puppy” or “a lady never tells her age.”

Was she spoiled? Absolutely. She brought joy into our lives, and in return we gave her what we could. She was a happy dog. But like people, dogs age. And even though it was not mentioned, we all knew it was inevitable.

Sorrow has its strange sides. After returning from the University of Pennsylvania vet hospital Sunday night, we, like many others, watched the final episode of “Lost.” We felt lost at that time and it seemed very appropriate. The last scene where Jack is dying and the dog comes to lie by his side just brought sobs in this household, and those sobs were not for the actors.

While there is great sorrow now, we know that after we have mourned, we will have only the happiest thoughts of Sadie, and we are lucky and happier people for the time she gave us.

Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column "Mark My Words," including best column by The National Newspaper Association, Suburban Newspaper Association and The Society of Professional Journalists.