I nuzzled them both to remind them that there was really no need to grieve, since I was okay and really a much better pet than Smokey ever was. - W. Bruce Cameron

That's the lesson of the dogs, that it's important to both live in the moment and then go on to the next wonderful thing.

You be a good dog, Spike!” Senora called over to him. I looked jealously in the new dog’s direction, but his reaction to having his name spoken was to glance over as if it were nothing at all. Toby, I wanted her to say. Good dog, Toby. Instead she said, “There are no bad dogs, Bobby, just bad people. They just need love.” “Sometimes they’re broke inside, senora. And nuthin’ will help ’em.” Senora’s hand absently reached down and scratched behind Coco’s ears. I frantically shoved my nose underneath Senora’s fingers,

We got to lie in bed quietly every morning, instead of getting up for breakfast with Dad. Life had finally gotten back to normal. Thank goodness that whole school thing was over and done with.