Pookie | August 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Pookie | August 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Today we got word that a friend went to the Rainbow Bridge. He was 19 years old. It hurts the heart every time we hear that another is gone, but we find comfort in that he lived a very long and happy life. My pack (Rufus and Emily; Lily never got to meet him) was first introduced to Pookie at the dog park while we were photographing rescues. We loved his raccoon face, frosty white paws and sweet old man disposition. These photos are from August 2012, and some of the last I ever snapped of him. By this time, three years ago, he had slowed down a little, but he still enjoyed circling the dog park, following his nose and barking at the big dogs across the chain-link fence; like many dachshunds do. I guess no matter how old they get, they’re true dachshunds to the very end. We will miss you Pookie, but now you’re free to bark, smell and run to your heart’s content. Rest in peace friend and peace be with your humans.

Pookie and friends | August 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©

Pookie | August 2012. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©