10.25.2025 Running with Gunnarr

It should come as no surprise that it has been quite difficult for all of us since Fionnegan died. We all miss him very much and the house is definitely much more quiet. How I miss that little pup.

Both Shorty and Gunnarr have exhibited sadness that has been manifested by malaise and general moping. The good news is that they are both eating. Gunnarr has searched the house from top to bottom multiple looking for Fionn, starting with the first morning after his death when he searched the bed and bedroom for him. If Fionnegan dying didn't break my heart, watching Gunnarr coping does it. The first week or so he was beside himself, he would sit in Fionn's bed in my study momentarily, get out and lie down next to it and put his head on the edge, then a few minutes later he would move to his usual place under my chair, then run off to the ottoman. He would overturn all of the dog beds in their condo in the atrium and howl with all of his might. He was never still for a long period of time. And they both howled at the gate I presume calling to Fionnegan to come home. Only now is Gunnarr's behavior returning to his normal self. Shorty is much less demonstrative and just stays very close to me.

Even though Gunnarr will be 12 years old on 11/04/2025, he still has a lot of puppy energy. Fionn did too until he became ill this summer. So I decided to run with Gunnarr outside this afternoon. The weather was nice and I had a big break in work responsibilities. So I opened the door and said, let's run. And he did. I chased him along the fence, over and around the boulders and while he ran under the bushes in front of the house and I chased him alongside the plants. I ran him until he was tired and panting a bit. He smiled and wagged his tail and the look on his face was pure bliss. We both needed that. Shorty could not join us as he injured his right front leg and is still limping a little. I am letting him rest until he has fully recovered. Just one more thing.....

Gunnarr with that big beautiful smile.

Gunnarr is an absolute sweetheart.

No doubt he is missing his brother Fionnegan. They had never been apart for almost 12 years and they shared all of the traits of brothers, from cuddling with each other to rough housing with each other and Shorty and there was a lot of competitiveness. Oh, yes, we did need time outs from time to time because of the competition for my attention. 

A road trip to Cape Ann.

They were a very happy pack, each and every one of them precious and lovable. It is understandable why Shorty and Gunnarr are so sad.

They had their own communication system. A long unbroken stare than poof! They would jump on each other and wrestle.

A long car ride to Pennsylvania and enjoying the air conditioner blowing on them as they squeezed in between the seats. One of my absolute favorite pictures of them. Good times. Good memories.

Just hanging out on the bench.

Brothers to the end.

    

This is a picture from Fionnegan's last day with us. They shared a drink of water together. They often drank together at the same time from the water bowl.

We miss you Fionnegan oh so very much. Not a day goes by when I do not have a tear in my eye as I remember you. But I promise there will be more runs with Gunnarr. And when Shorty's leg heals, we will run with Shorty too. And think of you while we run. "Who wants to run" is our call when we went through the gate. We will run. And think of you.

Why look at the camera when you can look into Momma's eyes?

I'll always remember that happy beautiful smile and twinkling eyes, my dearest Fionnegan.

Until next time...................