Last week, on a warm sunny day, under the shade of a big maple tree in front of the house, Baxter died. I held him and told him what a good boy he is and how special he is and how well he had done at everything.
And I told him Matt was waiting for him and would be so, so happy to see him. I can see Baxter wagging his helicopter tail and singing his woo-woo howl when he sees Matt.
Baxter hadn’t felt up to singing or wagging for awhile, so it will be nice for him to return to himself finally.
As soon as we moved to the farm, Matt and I knew we would add a dog to our family. Baxter was with us through so much. He tolerated renovations, followed the tractor around and lay in the sun as we worked outside. He went along with whatever we were doing and we were a unit.
When Ellie was born, Baxter was uncertain. But he watched over her and made sure she was taken care of, even through his early uneasiness. She became part of our unit, and he became rock solid for her.
I am so grateful that he was in her life. Ellie’s love for animals and her gentleness with them is rooted with Baxter. She will carry the lessons he taught her through her life.
Matt and Bax had a special relationship. Their little routines or sayings are unique to them. As Matt’s illness progressed, there were many nights Baxter stayed with him. He stayed close to Matt and watched him carefully.
And after Matt died, Baxter was there for me, asking for very, very little as we went through each day and giving patience and comfort through tearful late night conversations and cuddles.
There is another hole in our lives.
But, our lives were fuller because of him, and we hold him with us.
Home on 129 Acres 
Oh I am so sorry, it was always clear in your writing how loved and lovely a dog he was. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your kind note, Katrin. I know you understand how important our dogs are in our lives.
I’m so sorry Julia – Baxter gave so much to your family, and was so loved.
He absolutely did and completely was. Thank you for your note.
What a lovely post. And special photos too of Baxter with your family.
Thank you, Carolyn. We have lots of lovely photos and memories.
It’s been a horrible week, but this news turned on my tears! sorry for your loss. Now the tears won’t stop! Hugs to both of you. Life will get better, sorrow will lesson.
Thank you for your sympathy. Take good care.
Such a touching story, Julia. You and Ellie will miss him and the love he gave you.
We are a family of a lot of love, and we’re working to carry that with us.
What a loving tribute! Baxter was a great dog and truly a part of your family- we will all miss him dearly.
Thank you for all of your support through everything. I know how much you enjoyed him too.
God bless you and Ellie. Hold close to all those precious memories. 💗
We do. Thank you for your kindness.
I’m so sorry, Julia. Baxter was a wonderful member of your family, and a great character in the lives of your readers too! When I saw this today (and I realize I’m late), I said to Shae, “Oh no! Baxter died.” She knew right away who I was talking about, and we were both sad. Your posts about him showed the love he gave and received. You will miss him. Hugs to you ❤
You are so compassionate and generous. Thank you for you kind message.
You were such a good boy, Baxter! Thank you for everything you did for the people in your life. Thank you for being such an important part of That Mutt. You had such a calm presence and always reminded me a bit of my dog Ace.
This comment is very touching, Lindsay. Thank you. Thank you for making him such a big part of That Mutt.