By Judith Carter

Caleb the Wonder Dog came home with me from the Animal Protection Society shelter in 1997 and, in the almost 11 years we had together, we were seldom far apart.

He went everywhere with me, off-island and on, and especially loved going to his job as shop dog for Griffin Bay Books and Friday Harbor Pet Supplies, where he made the widest circle of friends I’ve ever known a dog to have.

He adored everyone who came to play or take him for walks, who brought him treats or birthday presents, who loved his bright eyes and eternal puppy face, his sweet spirit and the courage he showed with each wobbly step in his frail old age.

I am grateful for each moment I spent with him, for the deep and magical relationship we had, and that I was there to hold him when he took his final breath and his great loving heart beat for the last time. I will love him and miss him all of my days.

Please send good thoughts for his gentle soul, then go find your favorite animal friends and give them a kiss for Caleb and for me, his best friend, Judith Carter.