We Are Not Ready

Even though we know it is time, we are not ready.

You came to us when Jacob was only six years old—fulfilling his childhood desire for a Jack Russell Terrier. We knew you’d be trouble when we first saw your little white and black nose snuffling under the gate at the shelter. We bought you a designated dog bed—you never used it. You slept with us, as was proper. You didn’t eat our cats, because we asked you not to—though ridding the world of vermin is what you were bred for. You kept us company. You kept us safe from lizards, the mailman, and other interlopers. You made us laugh and cry. You are the most stubborn creature I have ever, and probably will ever, know. 

These last few years have diminished you. We watched you finally begin to slow, at 15, then 18 years old. Nonetheless, you still did your daily patrol, and barked when the doorbell rang. But, lately, you spent more time sleeping. You still liked being held and walked, but the light in your eyes was fading. 

Even though we know it is time, we are not ready. We are not ready to wake up to a world without you in it. We will always love you Big Dog.

RIP Buddy 1999-2020

Welcome Asia 105/Philosophy 105. This is your final class assignment (before Triterm 3 that is).

For this assignment, you will have the option to do a variety of things. First, you may respond to my thread or another student's thread. Or, you can create your own thread. To do this you may think of a question from the Japan section (or even another section) and ask a question. You may create a thread by finding an article, picture, or video online and then asking a question about it. Please only use inoffensive/appropriate material.

You of course could do a combination of these things. One short post earns you one attendance credit. Two posts (one short and one more substantial or one that you create) earns you two attendance credits. Three posts (two short, and one more substantial or one that you create).

Have fun with this assignment, and be creative!

See you at the final exam.