Thirteen years ago our one year old Sheppard, Iram shook himself as he climbed from the portable kennel he had been cooped up in on the 5000 mile trip from Russia to America. Driving away from the airport I petted his coat and tried to soothe him. Soon he was fast asleep. All would be well. Always obedient and loyal, he kept me company on long morning walks, while working in the shop and sitting at my desk. As a writer, I work at home and have all my time to myself. I work in the mornings sometimes beginning at 3 AM and always, Iram would wake and sit with me, watching me work and occasionally sending a thought.