FRITZ-OUR CAMPING BUDDY

We would like to take the time to acknowledge a very special friend of ours. He was our companion, friend, and camping buddy for several years.

A Salute: To all camping buddies.

As night fell over the reservoir and the stars began to twinkle off the water, the one called Toby began to make his way through the darkening shadows of the pines.

He made his way toward a large boulder over looking the reservoir. As he neared the big rock he seemed to pause… hesitating…with his right paw raised he carefully looked over his left shoulder,surveying

the camping area behind him.

He looked carefully from the left and to the right. His eyes sadly turning back toward the boulder.Coming to the boulder he lifted his right paw to step up, hesitating,than with a deliberate purpose he stepped up, walking to the highest point over looking the water, sparkling in the moon light.

Carefully he looked around surveying the surrounding area.Then,with head slightly lowered,nose pointing forward, a low note began deep within his body and as it built momentum, he lifted his nose toward the night sky and a sad mournful howl drifted across the water and through the pine tops across to the distant horizon.

As the sound drifted away into the night he stood straight, head lifted, listening, ears pointed forward. The night had become eerily quiet. Not a sound was heard, time had seemed to come to a stand still.

Then far off to the north a deep mournful howl came drifting through the trees and over the hills all around the reservoir. As the reply from the north faded into silence,Toby listened and as total silence took over an answer came from the far hills to the south, fading away.

Toby turned and descended from the rock, it was done, the message was received and passed on…his friend, his camping buddy, the big blond guy,was gone! But never forgotten,for there were the memories,,,ah yes,,, the memories,,, they will last forever! With his head held high, he quietly faded into the night……

Fritz 1994-2010

Friend, Companion,

Camping Buddy

Author;  Jerry Tunnell