Today, I had to say goodbye to Rupert, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who epitomized the maxim of a dog as "man's best friend" better than any companion one could imagine. After 11-and-a-half years, his heart gave out just before midday. 
Our walking pal & cuddle buddy, Rupert never knew a stranger. Whenever anyone entered the home, he sprang to the door with a greeting. When we went for long walks in the park, his magnetic personality drew countless people toward him. Love nourished him as much as food.
So much of the work I have done has been from the home office. For this, Rupert was often by my side, on my lap, or climbing onto the desk. I always thought he had some cat in him because he always sought the highest point: on a sofa, on a desk, on a stack of pillows.
Rupert is preceded in death by George, who died in January a few months before his 15th birthday. He is survived by puppies Ruby and Cooper, who learned about life from him and followed his every step around the house, backyard and neighborhood.
My heart is broken, but still full from years of Rupert's unconditional, full-tilt love. He was the best friend a family can have.
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