While it might not specifically be related to my trip I do have a brief bit of sad news to report. After turning 13 just last week my family dog, Tosha, had to be put down on Friday. Tosha was always a very spirited and energetic dog but had begun to show signs of aging and really slowed down in the past year or two. Over the past month she had some up days but the down days were becoming more frequent. I had really hoped she would be able to hang on until I returned home but it wasn’t meant to happen.

Tosha was a Portuguese Water Dog (commonly referred to as a Portie or PWD) with a personality all her own. A number of people following the site knew Tosha from when she “went to college” and came to stay with me while I was studying at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Others had a chance to toss a ball, play with and sometimes chase her when she slipped out of the house when visiting at my parents house. I know a few people have chosen a Portie for their next pet after spending time with Tosha.

Tosha, whose full name was Encanto Bella Tosha, answered to “Toto”, “Tosha Marie” or just a simple “To”, and she really was a member of our family. With her playful attitude and antics she’ll be deeply missed.