In memory of Skippy

In loving memory of Skippy, Dan's (and sometimes Monika's) best friend for the past two-and-a-half years. We're really going to miss you, Skippy. Rest in peace.

Their very first picture together – the day Dan got Skippy for his birthday. Their bond of brotherhood was instant.

Skippy's first portrait. It was hard to get him to sit still for a picture.

Dan and Skippy playing in the yard. I put a small bell on Skippy's collar so that the cats and chickens would have a warning when he came running. The clanging of that bell against his vaccination tags was also my child locator, because wherever Dan was, Skippy was, too.

Skippy loved to come along when it was time to get the cows from pasture.

Skippy's stand-off this spring with a migrating muskrat. The kids and I watched from the kitchen window for what seemed like an eternity while Skippy and the muskrat danced across the yard. In the end, the muskrat got away.

I wish I had a more recent picture of Dan and Monika and Skippy together. We'll have to rely on memories.