If you've been... then you know... 1994.

Finally, with some strength, I am ready to say a few words about this... On the 19th of April, I lost a beloved family member. His battle with congestive heart failure was over. He went out his way, on his terms. Fighting for us. For me. His name was "Jonas." We called him "Chuy."

What can I can say that hasn't already been said about this little guy? He had a strong run and the memories he gave us are infinite. Jonas was special in many ways and looking back, he represented so many things much bigger than himself. He represented an era, an ideology and a different way of seeing life in black and white. I believe this to be true.

I bought Jonas in Ft. Worth, TX, but he would live his whole life in Benbrook. He belonged there as he gave the town a bigger personality. I paid $55.00 for him... A small price to pay for something so genuine and perfect.

Jonas was a regular at "The Terrace" and he belonged to an exclusive club whose members saw the moon as something different. If you're reading this, you know who you are... Of course, if you've been to "The Terrace," then you know what I am referring to... I gave him the name, Jonas, because...

His presence could never be denied and his spirit even gave my eyes a different kind of sparkle. Some of that sparkle is gone now... He had this kind of effect on everyone he met. His memory is meant to be cherished and celebrated... Much like his life was...

I'm thinking about his 2nd birthday party. This memory always makes me smile, too, because he wasn't just another dog. I remember when a six-degrees-kind-of-stranger showed up with a stuffed toy asking how much the cover charge was and if the first keg had floated yet... I told him that we just tapped the 2nd keg and that there was no cover, but toys were appreciated only to be donated to a shelter. He seemed fine with this and even asked where he could find Chuy to say "Happy Birthday." I asked him how he knew about the fiesta and he said that "everybody" knew that Chuy was having a birthday party. Puzzled (not really), I thanked him and pointed him in the right direction. I also remember him commenting on the Slush Puppie cup that I had in my left hand. I said, "No, these are only for Slush Puppies. Sorry, dude. You get the red cups. That's Chuy's call tonight." I still have those cups.

I miss him so much...

For those of you who knew him, thank you for letting him into your lives... Just know that his heart was big enough for all of you.

I'm raising my glass to you now, Chuy. Save me a spot on the pitch, okay?

A good dog, such a good dog...

bsm*