Nelson Memorial Day

Sunday, April 16. 2006. That was the day we stopped posting. It's the day we got a bad phone call in the early Easter morning, the day Nelson died. Nelson had borne his treatment well and, despite unclear diagnoses, had kept up good vitals. That changed, and we knew we had to take "care" of him for the last time. We did, and he did.

Today, one year later, we stoke the spirit of Nelson by walking his favorite trail in Rock Creek Park, behind the Italian embassy to the little Montrose beach. The creek was bank-full because of yesterday's rain, and we remembered how Nelson would only dive out to his knees. Not a swimmer, our boy. Loved splashing about, though!

No, Nelson was a trail dog, in adddition to possessing mad city skills, of course. No howler or jumper at fire sirens, engine brakes, or other loud noises, he! He really shone on the trails, however, edge-stepping his way along cuts and winding passes. He always stayed on point, about 20 yards ahead of us, looking back from time to time, making sure we were alright. He was a woods master.

We finished the day by giving one of Nelson's favorite toys to an old friend.

We took the picture below after a big snowstorm in December, 2003. Nothing Nelson loved more than a romp in the snow. What have you done today in the spirit of Nelson?