Ringo, at almost 14 years of age, was laid to rest today. He was our first show dog and The Man's "best buddy".  We first met Ringo when he was three days old. The breeders (who became very good friends) had told us we could have one of the pups but we wouldn't know which one until they were older. The Man fell in love with the little blue and white squirmworm that first day and even got to name him. He chose Ringo because the puppy had a wide white splash across most of his neck, almost a complete ring. Hence, Ringo. His official name, Little Drummer Boy, was a nod to the musical aspect of his name. Despite being admonished not to get too attached, we just fell in love with the little guy and the breeders finally relented and let us bring him home when he was about 4-6 months old.

Ringo's show career was fairly short, as he won quickly.  Always a consummate showman, Ringo knew all eyes were on him in the ring and he basked in the attention. His most exciting win was Best of Breed over the Italian Greyhound that had taken the breed at the prestigious Westminster show only a few months prior.

Our little "Dingo" as I called him, loved his pack; dog and people alike. His most favorite thing in the whole world was to have his neck rubbed. It sometimes drove the other dogs to distraction because he didn't really care WHO or WHAT did the rubbing!

For the past year we and Ringo had been waging war on the cancer that was taking its toll. We knew our efforts were not going to defeat the disease, but only provide comfort for our little guy. Nike's passing, discussed earlier, seemed to impact him greatly. She was the canine love of his life and he felt her absence the most among our dogs. When he took a turn for the worse we knew it was time to let Ringo go, to join Nike and Majerle and all of our other animal companions that have preceded him. We stayed with him, stroking his head and telling him how much we loved him while the wonderful, compassionate vet and his staff administered the shot that freed him from his pain.

Ringo was a perfect dog. No one could have asked for a more loving and dedicated companion. If, in the hereafter a dog is judged by his character and the love he gave his people, Ringo will certainly be deemed a prince among dogs.