So I Ironed the Shirts: The Missing Author's Notes

What I meant to have saved, turned out to not have been saved after all! Please accept my apologies for my failure to check - and double-check. These notes give the background to the story, and tell a little story of their own. ML

A/N: Animals have been my greatest friends ever since I moved to the Upper Ottawa Valley, many years ago now. And because I no longer work outside of the home and we live in relative isolation, a dog has always been part of our little circle of family.

Some of you knew of Cooper, our big fierce black lab. He was gentle as a kitten with me and Doug, but fearsome to any stranger who approached our door without our say-so. He literally was my constant companion twenty-four/seven. Whatever I did, wherever I went, Cooper was by my side.

Cooper died recently - August 15th - in a terrible freak accident on what is usually a quiet rural road. He and Doug were out walking late one afternoon and Cooper was stuck by a speeding car. The driver had sped away from the intersection and approached far too fast - he was in a big hurry to get home from work, we understand.

Cooper's injuries were fatal. He died shortly after at the local animal hospital in Doug's arms. The vet told us Cooper didn't suffer.

I miss him, so much!

I also had a horse for ten years - a gentle Appaloosa mare. Like Lightning, she was already old when I got her - twenty - but she lived for another ten years. Twenty-five is considered old for a horse; thirty is considered ancient. She loved trails, and carried me over miles of trails and loved to run through the fields with me on her back.

She crossed over six years ago. Her memory is still green.

This story very much wrote itself. It is stark and plain in form; that was how I wanted it to be. Cooper's death was devastating, and this story was a catharsis of sorts. Like Lou, I finished my crying - and ironed the shirts.

We have since welcomed a new member into the family: Morgan, a chocolate lab going on ten weeks old. Truly a bundle of teething, energy, and pure love.

Cherish your dearest friends, my friends. I love all of you! ML :)