I have an ancient-way trail that passes by my house and it is always pleasing for me to see people walking this path. Many people, young and old, ride bikes, some ride horses, some run and others walk their dogs.

The most notable walkers to me were Susanna and Trav. I say were because Trav had to be put down yesterday because of an illness.

I will miss looking out from my garden and seeing Susanna and Trav walking by. I will miss walking over and petting Trav. He was such a handsome, gentle giant of a dog.

I will miss the sight of Susanna with her boots dug in as Trav would pull hard on the leash. I was always impressed by the control she had over this exuberant and powerful animal.

I will miss seeing these two walking by in a snow storm or sometimes in the rain. I will miss walking out of my house after dark, only to see Susanna and Trav heading down the trail with the guidance of a flash light.

I will miss the low guttural howl that I would hear on occasion from Trav, who lived with his owner perhaps a half mile from my house in the woods. It was a howl that made me think of wolves.

So many times I wanted to stop and photograph my friend with her dog but there was always an excuse for me not to. But I did stop once at Nat’s Farm and snapped a quick photo as these two companions busily marched along. I’m glad I did.

I grieve the loss of Travvy. He wasn’t solely owned by Susanna; he was owned by the hearts of our community.

The majestic sight of him will truly be missed.