The end of an era

Writing is very much a "solo" activity and I've always been grateful for the support of my writing friends and the groups to which I've belonged. But in the activity itself I've always had company from my dogs, my long-suffering pets who, time and again, have heard me read aloud lines or passages I've been struggling with, who have walked miles with me as I've planned projects and mulled over ideas, who have sat at my feet as I worked at the desk. Three days ago I had to say goodbye to Megan, my companion of nearly fifteen years; it really feels like the end of an era.