To the outside world, the loss of a canine or feline member of the family ranks low on the list of concerns. But inside the family, there is no pain more immediate. No pain more pressing. The best that I can wish for is that a sense of grace envelops you and yours in the ever comforting light of the night sky above us all tonight and forever. Hard times come again no more.

Under The Dog Star was actually written several decades ago for a very special boy who is now a grown man; our son. My short fable provided a small person the solace needed to process his immense grief. Over time, it has allowed the three of us to share the pain in the open which was and is so important. The fable has also helped many others that I have shared it with over the years.

The Quirky Pet is a small pet shop in a small town. I know when a dog is gone simply from the person’s face when they enter. I knew their dog by name. They know that I will always be emotionally there for them. That’s why they came in. I well understand the pain, but I also understand the other side as well. In the decades since the fable was written, a handful of dogs have transitioned from our family. A casual glance at the starry Vermont sky. For me, they all are as present as can be. In truth, the little boy forever resides in us all. I am no exception. Hunza, Olive, Faye, Dharma and Anuzzo are all registered in the site. You can view them in the night sky on the top of the screen if you wish.

I ask that you seriously consider registering the dogs that mean so much to you for their place in the night sky near The Dog Star. A place you can visit at all hours when you need to— as I do from time to time. Please post a picture… it makes it special when you do. Of course, it is totally free to register the dogs that have transitioned but are still held dear deep in your heart. Don’t put off sending dogs to The Dog Star. You won’t regret it. Posting is a labor of pure love that binds you two forever together…. as long as there are stars in the sky.