Teared up on this one (sigh). My last dog was a yellow lab named Big Head and he was 90 pounds. During his last year I 'd push him down to a hike-in surf spot in an old bike trailer because he couldn't walk back up after he played on the beach. He lived to be 14. It just doesn't get any easier losing our furry ones.

I'm glad my kids have been able to experience our new dog as a puppy. He's only four years old now. If our new dog lives to be 14 then my kids will be 22 and 24. That's surreal to think about.

RIP Bryn! Hopefully, Big Head is showing you how to chase wild goats and eat lamb tails, as he's from New Zealand and is an expert at such things.