About this time in 2013, my 13 years old pal, Flyer, who’d been a wonderful, devoted support mama for the first four sons and foster sons, was entering the last week of her life.

From the minute he stepped into The Haasienda as a twelve week old pup, Chief was devoted to his older blind sister. Chief became her protector and always snuggled by her as though to let her know she was loved. Flyer, who lost her eye sight in 2010 due to a severe bout of pancreatitis, got around amazingly well. But that was all part of the brilliance that made Flyer so special.

As we were nearing the end, Chief, almost three years old, was even more attentive to Flyer. I made a comfortable pallet for her in my study and would hold her between lessons. When I’d rise to teach, Chief would slide in next to Flyer, often wrapping his giant paws around her.

Mother drove over from Indiana to spend a few days with us, and to hug on her favorite girl. 70+ folks visited Flyer that final week, several driving down from Bowling Green State University to say “farewell” to their pal who’d attended their private lessons through the years.

Chief’s great heart has always been astounding through the years, but it was especially impressive ten years ago as we began the process of bidding goodbye to our beloved Flyer.

PHOTOS: Flyer (red collar) and Chief (blue collar), July 2013.