Three years ago today we said goodbye to our best friend, Grandpa. However, Grandpa, who was Mom’s Dad, wouldn’t want us to have droopy tails today. In fact, I bet he’s spending the day playing with his best friend, our brother, angel Lemmy. So to make us smile, I’m going to share with Asa some of my favorite stories of the fun they had together.

Lemmy and Grandpa had a special bond, and would both get very excited when they saw each other. Just the mere mention of Grandpa’s name would send Lemmy spinning and jumping with delight. And Grandpa would always put on the biggest grin when Lemmy entered the room. If he heard, “Grandpa’s coming,” Lemmy would anxiously sit by the door and wait for his arrival. Once Mom accidentally said this phrase two days before his arrival. Lemmy refused to budge from the door all day. Luckily Grandpa couldn’t wait to visit. So when he heard about his buddy’s plight, he came early so his best friend wouldn’t have to wait and skip any more meals. Yes, Lemmy was that stubborn and would refuse to eat while he kept watch for Grandpa!

During one visit, they sealed their special bond. Back when Lemmy was a puppy Dad worked long hours away from home, and on this particular day, Mom had to travel for a meeting. That meant Lemmy was going to be home alone for a very long time. So Grandpa offered to come stay with him. At the time Lemmy was enrolled in Puppy Kindergarten. Therefore Mom gave Grandpa a tube of squeezable peanut butter to reward Lemmy when he listened to his commands. What Mom neglected to mention was not to give Lemmy the entire tube. Well sure enough, Lemmy was a good boy and listened to Grandpa that day. But instead of just giving Lemmy a lick of peanut butter as a reward, he handed him the whole tube! Thankfully Lemmy had no interest in eating the plastic tube and simply ripped it apart so he could lick every ounce of that delicious treat. After that Lemmy and Grandpa were inseparable. You could even say they stuck together!

They were true partners in crime, always getting into mischief together. Whether it was wrestling in the middle of the floor during a crowded holiday celebration, or Lemmy suddenly becoming a lap dog sitting on the couch, they always managed to break the rules when they were together. This frequently resulted in Mom or Grandma ordering the two of them to have a time out.

They also taught each other tricks. For example, Grandpa taught Lemmy how to jump up and remove his baseball cap. A trick that Lemmy wouldn’t dare try with anyone else! He also taught Lemmy how to gently remove his glasses and bring them to Grandma. That was definitely a Grandpa only trick! However, it proved very useful because prior to this trick Grandpa’s glasses often went flying off when wrestling. In return, Lemmy taught Grandpa their favorite game of “Har Har I have the Ball and You Don’t.” They would play that game for hours, and never got bored of chasing each other around the yard…and occasionally through the house too!

Although we miss Grandpa and Lemmy and think of them often, it brings us great comfort knowing that they are together again, and no doubt breaking all the rules. Grandpa please take good care of our Lemmy, and we promise to keep Grandma company for you. See you at the end of the trail.