Eugene O'Neill, widely considered one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, wrote a wonderful elegy to his dog, Blemie. When I lost my Butchdog and thought my heart was breaking, a kind friend gave this book to me. It soothed my soul and still, years later, brings tears of joy to my eyes. It's told from the point of view of Blemie, an old, losing his sight and hearing dog, addressed to O'Neill and his wife, who swear they'll never have another dog because of the pain of losing Blemie.

I can't recommend it enough to those of you who appreciate good writing and beautiful illustrations. I just checked Amazon (July 2006) and they have it for about $10. Details:

The Last Will & Testament of a Very Distinguished Dog, Eugene O'Neill, Illus. by Adrienne Yorinks, pub. Henry Holt & Co., by permission from the Yale collection of American Literature, pub. 1999.

I suppose it sounds hoity-toity, highbrow, whatever. Please believe me, this book sooths the spirit of anyone who has lost a beloved pet.

Still missing Butch.