Greg, I know exactly how you feel. About two and a half years ago we had to send our dear cat (yes, we're cat owners but we love dogs too) Lancelot over the Rainbow Bridge. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, and I still miss the big guy, but it was best for him.

My condolences, and sympathy.

I am so, so sorry. Diggity was so loved and loving and my heart hurts for you. The pictures and videos captured Diggity’s nature and it was a joy to see them.

Those dogs.... they somehow sneak into our hearts without us even noticing. After my dog of 17 years died, I sliced my finger while cutting vegetables. It seems I had something in my eye. I'll be thinking of you, and looking forward to reading about your trip.

And another quote:
"Who knew that dog saliva can mend a broken heart?"
Jeff Valdez

So sad. Our last dog was something over 15 years with us. I still miss him and it has been nearly 15 years since he and I made that trip to the vet. Trying not to leak...

Vid is great!

Funny, I was thinking today how you were not touring much these days and then remembered how you were staying close to home because of Diggity. And now I find this post. So sorry for your loss, Greg. That video of him running all over the place with joy IS the greatest video in the history of YouTube. 🐕‍🦺

How could you not fall in love with that fella.

This is such a wonderful photo. I never had a dog small enough that I could truck it around with me like this. It must have been such a delight to look around and see him back there.

Oh, Greg. I’m heavy-hearted for you, and for myself too - it reminds me again of the grief I felt for every dog I’ve lost over the years. The last one, Shasta, was 18 when we finally let her go because it wasn’t fair not to. Knowing it was time didn’t make it any easier.

Thanks, Jeff, and I look forward to writing about that sector tomorrow. I haven't ridden my bike there before, but I have a feeling it might be the kind of territory that requires a hard look to find the positive features . . . in other words, your kind of territory.

Greg, I'm very sorry to hear this sad news. Losing a pet after several years of companionship is a tough, tough thing.

I look forward to reading about your impromptu tour... and learning what Minnesota's "least popular sector" is.

Thanks again. The part about having the strength and love to let him go when the time was right almost made me cry. Almost. I mean, after all, I claim to be a tough guy.

Clearly Diggity had a wonderful life filled with lots of love, facelicking and adventure. You were lucky to have him share your life for a time. He was lucky that you had the strength and love to let him go when the time was right. We also take to our bikes when life gets tough. Ride with the wind, friend.

Thank you, Steve and Dodie. And I absolutely treasure your comment.

An absolute treasure!

Thank you, Graham. Regarding the name, it came on a whim, but later I became very proud of it. We walked our dog twice a day for his entire life. We ran into many, many other dog walkers and we always introduced our dogs to each other. I can't tell you how many compliments we got on his name. The entire staff at our veterinarian's office loved it too.