The End of an Era

It is with a heavy heart indeed that I share the news that Brave Sir Hogarth, my long time flying buddy and companion, passed away this evening. He was 13 years old.

Some of you have been with me from the Tampico days and probably well remember some of his aerial trips with me, back in the day when I had an airplane capable of carrying such a large, oddly shaped passenger.

He was a good dog, although his appetite for cat food got him into trouble now and then. At one point I thought that maybe he would like to wear a kitty cat hat if he was so find of stealing the cat's sustenance: 

For most of his life, Hogarth could not tolerate the presence of another dog. Luckily, due to our devious plan to sneak another dog into the pack by telling him that little puppy Cabot was actually just another hamster, Hogarth was able to enjoy pack life for the last four years of his life.

Hogarth to this day remains one of the best looking dogs I've ever known, even if I do say so myself.

He sure did appreciate a good laugh!

My experiment with having him join me in the hangar while working on the plane was short-lived, though. He had a way of expressing his boredom and disdain for the entire process:

He was no great help in the shop, either.

Given his druthers, he much preferred lounging in front of the fireplace.

Despite his thick coat, he could get chilly at times.

He was a valuable addition to our family and we will never forget the contribution he made to our lives. I think Co-pilot Egg's eulogy speaks for all of us.

My baby boy. We got you when I was seven and it was the best day of my life. I was so excited. You were never allowed to sleep on my bed but I started sneaking you in until it was allowed. You would lay right up next to me and protect me from the dark. Whenever I had a nightmare you would just lick my face and it would be all better. You stopped being able to jump up on my bed the last few years, so we would always help you. It made your day. You were such a sweet boy. Always full of kisses. I hope we gave you the life you deserved. I love you Hogarth. You were my first real dog and I'll never forget you.