In Memorium: Scratch
Among of the benefits of freelancing, the sweetest was having the opportunity to work with two furry officemates. They kept my husband and me company through many long days and nights of working in our respective home offices. One of these co-workers was our dog Scratch. We hired him when he was a full-grown puppy in 2008. When he wasn't out in the yard, curled up on the couch, or lounging in my husband's office, Scratch spent his time with me. He was there both while I worked and whenever I needed to take a break. Sometimes we played or went out for extra walks, though probably too rarely. I loved stroking his soft fur, breathing his scent, gazing into his inquisitive brown eyes, and surrendering to the impulse to lie down next to him and take a nap. Scratch was good at his job.
In the spring of 2020, however, Scratch’s appetite declined precipitously. His health deteriorated because of an underlying medical problem we were unaware of until it was far too late. Barely a week after I finished my final project and officially retired from freelancing, Scratch died. Ostensibly, I retired so that I could spend more time with friends and family. Now that I have so much more free time to devote to the things that matter, one of them is gone.
Scratch was twelve years old when he, too, retired from freelancing. He was a good boy. He is survived by me, my husband, and our feline co-worker Eowyn. In 2020 we hired a puppy, Ruby Rose, but she's still in training. Thank you for helping us do our jobs, Scratch. You weren't just a good boy. You were the best. Love always.
In the spring of 2020, however, Scratch’s appetite declined precipitously. His health deteriorated because of an underlying medical problem we were unaware of until it was far too late. Barely a week after I finished my final project and officially retired from freelancing, Scratch died. Ostensibly, I retired so that I could spend more time with friends and family. Now that I have so much more free time to devote to the things that matter, one of them is gone.
Scratch was twelve years old when he, too, retired from freelancing. He was a good boy. He is survived by me, my husband, and our feline co-worker Eowyn. In 2020 we hired a puppy, Ruby Rose, but she's still in training. Thank you for helping us do our jobs, Scratch. You weren't just a good boy. You were the best. Love always.
© 2010–2020 Camille Nelson