Noodle was an extraordinarily loving and compassionate animal. He was extremely patient with all humans and other animals as well. He seemed to understand the weaknesses and limitations of others and tolerated them with the kindness of a mature soul. His behavior always said, "Who are you?...I want to be friends!" 

    Noodle had the most inquisitive eyes. He would sit and listen attentively to whatever was being said to him while alternately raising his eyebrows as if truly trying to comprehend whatever it was that was being told to him. 

    He also had a beautiful smile and was always eager to nudge me with his muzzle to let me know that he wanted to play or just cuddle. 

    As with most dogs, Noodle knew me like the back of his paw. Years of living together and growing through changes, he seemed to read my mind and was always there to be my friend. Nothing complicated or dramatic...just be there for me. I have often said that "if I were half the person that Noodle was, I'd be a great man". Well, I have never been anywhere near his state of grace, nor have I ever known another dog as patient, loving, and sweet. 

    While the things I wrote above are sentiments expressed by most people about their pets, nearly everyone who ever met Noodle felt the same way that I did. They called him "a human in a dog suit". You just didn't feel like you were around a dog. He was too present and involved in whatever was going on. 

    His later years saw some of this spry activity decrease, but he still maintained a loving and caring affect whenever engaged by anyone. 

    In twelve and a half years, we were seperated only three time times: Once when I had to attend the funeral of my brother's baby. Once when I was hospitalized. And once, while staying with my sister (in a place where she could not have pets) I boarded him at a kennel for two days. I wish that I hadn't. He thought that I had abandoned him and had a look of euphoria mixed with desperation when I went to pick him up. The look in his eyes broke my heart and I swore that I would never leave him with strangers again. I took him to my sister's place where there was a shed in the yard. I made a bed from a sleeping bag and blankets and we both slept out there with a ceramic heater to keep us warm. He would've never abandoned me. 

    After a long and uncomfortable battle with hip dysplasia (eventually unable to get up on his own), I had Noodle "put to sleep". I stroked his furry head while the injection was administered and shed a few tears. While I believe that I did the right thing to end his suffering, I am still tormented with the combination of knowing that I was the one who took him to his final (physical) destination...and just missing him. There is no one else in my household. There was only me and him. And while others have beened saddened by the loss (he managed to touch many people throughout his life), they were not in the "fold" as personally as I was with this wonderful animal who showed me love, affection and gratitude with all of his heart. 

     To the most wonderful animal (canine, human, or otherwise) that I have ever been blessed to call a friend, I pray with all of my heart and mind, Noodle, that you are somewhere where you are incredibly happy and feel good...that you can be with me in spirit and can hear me whenever I tell you what a great dog you were (and are)...that you know how very much I love and miss you...and that you'll meet me when I cross over to "the other side". Thank you so much for opening up my heart and teaching me about what love really means.

                                         Alan