I found out today that my friend Paddy died in his sleep the evening of the day I last spoke to him. I had been dog sitting his two dogs, Tommy and Charlie, and was going to meet him that afternoon to drop off the boys. I was running late as usual, and Paddy was tired from his last trip to the VA hospital in Los Angeles. So we decided he would call me the next morning to set a time to drop of the dogs. He never called.

When I first met Paddy several years ago, I thought he was a crusty old Vietnam Vet. And maybe a jerk. But then we started talking about life and the world, the many idiots in the world, and exchanged opinions on an assortment of topics. I can't say I knew Paddy. I don't know where he grew up, what he did for a living when he was younger, or many, if any details about his life. But I will say that we became friends through our conversations.

We met when Paddy was looking to adopt a companion for his little female dog. He adopted Tommy from me that year. When he lost her to Cancer, Paddy came back and adopted Charlie. He loved his boys. Every morning he would take them to McDonalds where he would get his "senior coffee", and the boys might get a treat.

Paddy liked walking with the dogs. Since he lived alone, he liked having their companionship. When he would travel by car, the boys always went with him.

Over the last year Paddy's health started to decline. He began to leave the dogs with me on the occassions when he had to go in to the hospital. Paddy used to always tell me what peace of mind it gave him knowing the boys were safe with me while he was away. He always asked me what he could do for me. What could he bring me? Nothing. I have everything I need in life. But he insisted, and would bring me bags of dog food for the foster dogs. Or wading pools for the dogs to splash in. Maybe a bag of rope toys, and grooming brushes. And several big bars of chocolate for me.

When we spoke that last afternoon, he greeted me by calling me his "favorite socialist" because he knew I was going to back Obama. I laughed at him and apologized for running late to meet him. But it was no big deal. We were just going to meet the next day, so I said I would just talk to him in the morning. I wish I had had the chance to say goodbye. I wish I could have given him one last hug, or maybe just one last pat on the shoulder.

I am glad that Tommy and Charlie are here with me. They will be my link to Paddy. He knew I would always step up for them if anything went wrong. He knew that I would for any of my previous fosters. I am glad I could give him that comfort.

It is pouring rain right now. Charlie and Tommy are sleeping in the living room with the other  dogs. The wading pools are filling up fast. Guess I'll go eat some chocolate, and remember, and cry over the loss of, my friend Paddy.