Earl Skipper

Eulogy for Our Sweet Pup Earl

Today we say goodbye to not just a pet, but a member of our family, our couch-surfing, lawnmower-riding sidekick.

He wasn't just "Dad's dog."  He was a part of all of us.  Wherever Dad was, he was close behind - or more likely, right on his heels or on his shoulders.  He was the little heartbeat at Dad's feet.  And now, with both of them gone, it's hard not to feel like the house is just...quieter.  Still, too still.

Some of our favorite memories will always be the two of them together - riding down South Park Drive, ears flapping in the wind, stopping for a Hardee's biscuit like it was the most important mission of the day.  He knew that trail like the back of his paw, always excited for an adventure - even if it was just a walk or a lawnmower ride to GG's for treats.

He had a way of finding us, always.  Like he knew when we needed him.  Always down for a snuggle.  Always underfoot when we were cooking.  Always watching, waiting, loving.  And when Bear was around, he was definitely always trying to win - whether it was getting the first treat or being first in the car.

He was pure joy in motion - running the couches like they were an Olympic snowboarding course.  He could turn the most ordinary moment into something to smile about. 

He wasn't just a good boy.  He was our good boy.  And I like to think he's back on Dad's lap now, riding shotgun in the sky, ears flapping, wind in his fur, heading down some heavenly trail with a biscuit in his mouth and a tail that won't stop wagging.

We love you, sweet Earl.  Tell Poppy we miss him too.