KEITH GROLLER'S DOG

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Our family dog, Punkin, has been a gone a year now. Today, it's exactly one year.

But our buddy has continued to give to us in the past year as so many people said they have read my tribute to him last year after his passing, and then told me about their own experiences with their dogs and other pets. Thanks to Punkin, I've made many new friends.

I have met so many nice people through Punkin; people who often had little interest in sports, and people who I never would have corresponded with without writing about him.

No story and I mean no story or blog post I've written in 30 yeas in this business -- and that's a lot of stories -- generated the interest and comment that my tribute to Punkin did. Not even close.

That's a testament to him and the impact pets have on our lives. And they have an ability to unite us in a way I never thought possible.

Punkin lives on in our hearts, of course. My wife and I both occasionally have dreams in which Punkin is alive, running stronger and healthier than ever. And it's crushing to both of us when we wake up and realize he's still gone.

We do have a pet -- a cat named Magic.

I am a dog person, so it's taken me time to warm up to Magic. Cats just make you work harder to forge a bond, so it seems to me.

But still it's nice having her around, and remembering how she took to Punkin and he to her gives us another way to remember our lost friend.

So, again on this one-year anniversary of a difficult, heartbreaking day, I say thanks from the bottom of my heart for all of the kind words and condolences over the past year. As I said, thanks to Punkin, I have a new appreciation of what this world is all about.

Punkin (Oct. 31, 1997 -- Nov. 23, 2009).

We miss you pal.

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/