Part of the "deal" of relocating to Boston was a dog. I had been craving one for quite some time and was enthusiastically scanning petfinder for a little guy or gal we could adopt. Simon and I loved all types of spaniels and a cocker made the most sense given the size of our new place. A deal with a local rescue group fell through hours before "Freckles" was due to arrive, and although devastated, we hopped back into the saddle and drove up to the NHSPCA in Stratham, NH. We spotted this little guy, took him for a walk, and although he definitely seemed to hate us, adopted him on the spot. His given name was "Puppy." Puppy! We deemed that unacceptable and on the ride home, got to work to brainstorm a replacement. Because he was afraid of everything my long-planned homage to my New York Rangers with "Ranger" didn't fly. We realized we needed something less strong and more nerdy. "Albert" after the Saint Louis Cardinals slugger Pujols was in contention and "Stan" also came up, but we weren't going for the creepy guy in the dark corner of the office feeling. Given his shy demeanor, I realized that a poet was the perfect source for his namesake. Merwin was "born."
After being diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2018, we lost this guy on June 15. It was devastating. For more on what a super dog this dog was, you can read my tribute.
After being diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2018, we lost this guy on June 15. It was devastating. For more on what a super dog this dog was, you can read my tribute.