My dear friend of 14 years, Freckles, died this week. He was part Springer Spaniel; his mother was Siberian Husky.

He was kind of the “town dawg” and folks are already telling me how much they miss him. I miss him terribly, of course, and already am experiencing some “ghosting” going on around the house. (Wasn’t that something brown and white I saw coming out of the bedroom?)

He and I used to take our walks on Warbass Way and we played at Eddie & Friends Dog Park.

With the kind help of Dr. Tess, Molly and Sheryl, he is resting peacefully with Dover and Beau, Nikko and Hille. Bette and Maggie provided the resting place. And I’ll always appreciate the loving care of the Downtown Dog folks.

I shall be forever grateful to all of these dear friends.

— Mary Frances McElfresh