Walking the other day, we saw a pair of bassets colored not unlike yours. I knew it was not W & F, but it was rather startling to see a red and a black paired up. I said, “Look, just like Wembley and Fenway!” but the obtuse dog-walker seemed not to know of yours.

Oh well. This is a swell picture. Is this taken immediately after San Diego’s rockin’ fireworks “display” last night?

Ah, the 1000-yard stare. My dog does that, too, despite living the life I’d love to have. Well, except for having one’s balls cut off. And the dog food. And being locked in the bedroom when no one else is home. (No HDTV in there. I could bring my laptop in there, though.) But aside from the no balls, and the food, and the no HDTV, it’d be pretty sweet. And some days, even with all of that, it’d be better than being at work.

As always, thanks for the bassets, Tbogg. They are always restful and comforting.

I throw myself on the sympathy of your commenters, as yesterday our nine-year-old cat Jamey died almost instantly in our living room, apparently throwing a blood clot from a genetic heart condition. We loved him like crazy, and are mourning as all you pet lovers will understand. So if you could take a moment to keep him in your thoughts, I would appreciate it greatly.

I look forward to Fenway’s next publication in the Journal of Philosophy, particularly his exegesis on the Higgs-Boson particle and its place in the Way of All Things.

Is there any truth to the rumors that the bassets were responsible for the Great San Diego Fireworks Fuckup?

You know that Lion Kitty Maxx, the Great Cat will be by on the comet, to collect Jamey and take him up to where he belongs? Maxx has this responsibility and he’s helped any number of Good Boys and Good Girls move on. Jamey will be fine. Maxx never makes mistakes in these things.

Jnfr, accept my condolences for the loss of Jamey. Having adopted a variety of cats and dogs over the years, I’ve gone through this most terrible event too many times. You’ll always have Jamey, he was a much-loved part of your life, and there won’t be another cat like him.

But should you decide to take another cat into your life, that lucky kitty will bring his or her own special love to you and you’ll be able to love them right back.

Thank you GWPDA, for the help of Lion Kitty Maxx, whose love and attention will be more than welcome. Jamey left so quickly that I’m afraid he’s a little lost right now.

And thank you donnah, for the comfort. We still have Jamey’s sister Blue, who is a little lost herself at the moment, so we’re doing what we can to give her pets and skritches.

Thinking of your Jamey, as well as our Captain, Tash, Sprinkles (feline) and Goldie and Sam (dogs), as well as those dogs I never knew to pat (Cooder, Satchmo, Beckham). Profoundly thoughtful, all.

Sorry–double post, unable to delete.

May the four winds blow Jamey safely to the Great Catnip Field in the Sky.

jnfr – of course, Jamey and Blue and your family have thousands of lurkers and readers of TBogg’s thoughts coming your way. We have all been there, way too many times. Such a sudden event is rough on those left behind, if perhaps not so bad for the one who leaves us. Quite a crew of animal lovers here, as you know.

And TBogg, thanks again for the lovely portrait of your sensitive and thoughtful senior boy. Fenway – smooches coming your way!

I am so sorry for your loss. Jamey must have hated to leave you, but he will have grand adventures riding the comet with Lion Kitty Maxx and my Simon who joined Maxx for the ride 3 years ago. May you find peace in your hearts.

Thanks everyone. Such a wonderful crowd to be able to talk with.

Beautiful Fenway–I love those ears!

I am sorry to hear of your loss, and I am thinking of you and Jamey.

My condolences for your loss of Jamey, jnfr. I’ve heard a lot of good things over the years about Lion Kitty Maxx,* and if reputation counts for anything, Jamey is in good hands paws.

*And shout-out to former Servant of Maxx FLG, wherever s/he is.

jnfr, my heart goes out to you and your family. It is always terrible to lose a beloved family member, and so suddenly too. I’m sure my beloved Charlemagne Thurber was also there to reassure Jamey (and show him where to stalk the birds). But I’m awfully glad that Jamey had you all, and that you had him – no matter how TOO short the time was.

Tbogg-type people are the best.

Jnfr, so sorry about Jamey. Let the Peace of the Bassets be with you.