Arms wrapped tightly around her, the Stonedog and his dog forged a bond that was to last forever. The Stonedog named his dog Tinka, a name she quickly adapted to. It was a fitting name, with no history or origin to cloud its bearer.

The Stonedog’s dog became his shadow, but had a positive presence, when most shadows have no real substance, just a lacking of light. The Stonedog’s dog, on the other hand, brought sunlight and happiness to all who encountered her, and particularly to the Stonedog.

The Stonedog’s dog spoke often, using incomprehensible words, but the meaning was never misunderstood, as she spoke the language of love, of acceptance, of loyalty, and of unconditional friendship. She knew she was loved, and in turn she gave love with no limitations, love which came back to her in every way.

When strange children would come to visit, the Stonedog’s dog would growl and wrestle and tussel for hours with them, with never an angry snarl nor a painful nip. At night, she would sleep in their doorway, prepared to ward off the evil spirits of the dark. The Stonedog’s dog loved, and was loved in return.

Or when gloom and uncertainty would cloud the life of a child, in minutes the Stonedog’s dog would have them laughing and skipping with joy. She had a way of transforming people by just being who she was, a furry beast that was wiser and had more love to give than anyone else the Stonedog ever knew.

When lightning flashed and thunder boomed, the Stonedog’s dog would seek sanctuary as close as she could get, giving comfort, seeking comfort. Together, the Stonedog and his dog could weather even the most fiercely raucous storm, knowing always that they were invincible as long as they were close.

With bears to the front, and bears to the back, deep in the mountains she stood by the Stonedog, silently and patiently waiting to fight to the death if need be. Stonedog knew the Stonedog’s dog would lay down her life for him, a gift beyond measure.

Providence prevailed, and the Stonedog and his dog quietly slipped back through the trees, leaving the bears to do bearish things, undisturbed, unaware their sanctuary had been invaded but briefly.

But mostly the Stonedog’s dog shared love, love for the Stonedog, but also love for all those she encountered. Though her passing was decades ago, the love she gave burns on, an eternal flame that cannot be dimmed. The Stonedog’s dog taught the Stonedog and those who knew her the importance of love, unconditional, undemanding love, a love that never dies, and never diminishes.

Alone now for these many years, the Stonedog misses his friend and companion of days gone by so long ago, misses the times they spent together. But the Stonedog knows always that the love the Stonedog’s dog gave so freely, makes each day, even yet, a bit brighter, each stumble along the way a bit easier, each challenge manageable.

The love shared by the Stonedog’s dog is her legacy, a legacy that has grown and expanded, affecting friend and family and community, without bounds, unconditionally, without limit.

Yes, the Stonedog’s dog made this world a better place in her all-too-short life, but her memory and being live on in those who knew her, who loved her, and who were loved by her. The Stonedog’s dog came not to teach, but to love. By example she set a standard that has changed many lives, a standard of loving and being loved in return.

She knew and somehow understood what many never know or experience, that by giving love, she would be loved in turn. Tinka, we miss you still today, but you are never far from us, as the ability to love that you taught us flames brightly on, a legacy of which you understood. The Stonedog, now getting on in years himself, thanks you for your gift. Our time together remains cherished even yet.

I love you, Tink.