I guess I shouldn't have felt surprised to find my tears streaming into Loki's fur in the backseat of Bobbi's car. But I told myself I wouldn't cry today, that I wouldn't treat anything that took place as The Last Time. The last time I go to this restaurant, the last time I see this friend, the last time I go horseback riding, the last time I visit the marsh... I didn't want that. I just wanted to go about my life as usual, enjoying everything while I'm here, and then enjoying the move down to L.A., too. No big deal, you know?

Well, that worked with everything except Loki.

Bobbi invited some friends of hers to join us for our hike today. I was SO excited, because I knew they had two tiny dogs, and as Bobbi can attest, I am a complete sucker for tiny dogs. So immediately, of course, I fell in love with Roxy and Elvis, and made a mental note to kidnap them as soon as possible. A Schipperke/Border Collie mix. And a Chihuahua. I was in heaven. Also? All three dogs are all black, which was so cute, I could hardly stand it. Huge dog, smallish dog, super tiny dog, all running around the hiking trails together. They played in the pond together!! I... It... You just had to be there to fully understand the overwhelmingly adorable nature of the situation.

We hiked and chatted and had a fabulous time. Elvis let me hold him (but only briefly; so many things to sniff!). Roxy came over to touch her nose to my leg a bunch of times (I think she was counting us!), and Loki let me hug on him and pet him every chance I got (as usual). We even met up with a Mastiff named Gracie at one point who drooled so much I nearly gagged (apparently, slobber squicks me out way more than I realized), and who also kissed my face. She was cute, but dear god -- Someone get Gracie a breath mint.

The dogs made us laugh about a thousand times. Roxy, especially, when she jumped in the pond, got soaking wet, and then frantically rolled in the dust, dirt, and grass to amend the situation. The dogs and we humans were filthy, exhausted, and very happy by the end of the hike. The couple and their little dogs got ready to leave while I said goodbye to them, then I kissed Loki goodbye, and before I knew what was happening, I was crying. It was just a tiny bit at first, so I thought I might tear up and then stop. No such luck. Those tears were coming and coming fast, so I turned my head away and hoped it wasn't too obvious. It's weird crying in front of people I don't know...

After the people and their dogs left, I felt slightly better. Bobbi's seen me cry on several occasions. (We worked at the Humane Society together, and what an emotional rollercoaster that place was!) In fact, I made her cry too. She got in the front seat of the car, while I climbed into the back next to Loki. We had to laugh a little at poor Loki who had no idea what was going on or why we both looked sad. She said she hoped I didn't mind her friends joining us, but she thought they'd help keep us from being too down on our last hike together. I told her how glad I was that they joined us. It was incredibly wonderful seeing the three dogs having a great time together, and as predicted, I completely adored Roxy and Elvis. It was the perfect way to enjoy our last hike together.

We got out of the car and Bobbi and Loki walked me to my car. It was right next to theirs, so it was a rather short walk, but it was a sweet gesture, and it gave me more room to hug Loki's whole body, instead of just his head. I gave him a bunch more kisses and then Bobbi and I exchanged some more stories, wonderful, mushy words, and hugs. I'll be seeing Bobbi again in a few days, but that's the last time I'll see Loki for quite a while. I cannot tell you how much I love that dog, or how much I'll miss him. I'm so lucky to know them both and have them as part of my life.

Thanks for everything, guys...