For the last 15+ years Beth and I have been hosting an Oscar Party. We have a leader board, gamble on the winners and in a good year someone walks away with $200+. Last year's winner brings a case of beer and everyone brings a plate. There is always lots of great food and this year was no exception. Milo is in heaven on Oscar Night. She patrols the floor getting patted by everyone and when I'm not looking usually scores something. This year it was chicken legs.
I'm very sorry to say this was our crazy Milo's last night at the Oscars. On Monday evening I took her to Wells Park for a game of frisbee. We were playing there for less than 10 minutes when suddenly she collapsed, dead. She was 6 1/2 and in excellent shape. Later the vet said she most likely had a massive heart attack. Milo has been a part of our family for the last 6 1/2 years and we're all in shock. She slept in our bedroom and would wake me every morning by nudging my elbow with her nose. Time for a walk dad. As a reminder of how naughty Milo was, Beth found a large pita bread Milo had stolen from the Oscar Party and stashed in our bedroom.
Sam took this photo as part of his high school senior photography class. It captures Milo in one of the only two speeds she knew -Warp 10 and zero. At times she did her best to drive us all crazy, barking at the invisible squirrels in the backyard or stealing food out of the garbage, but she gave us the unconditional love we all crave, and don't get anywhere else. Wilson Ave will never be quite the same again. Milo died with a frisbee in her mouth and for a dog it probably doesn't get any better than that. We'll bury her ashes under the trampoline and sprinkle some in her favorite place, Lake Michigan.
