Jordan was an assistance dog, who lived with me before going into training. We went everywhere together, work, Skytrain, restaurants, movies, you name it. We went to public washrooms together - great fun to see people's expressions as we emerged from the cubicle.

Jordan got early retirement when his disabled companion became too ill to look after him, and we had the good fortune to be reunited.

He was the gentlest dog I ever met - last year he lifted a newborn orphaned kitten out of it's bed, and took it to his own bed to wash it, and soothe it's crying. (Well, he never understood my fascination with cats, so perhaps he was just trying to shut it up).

He was a simple dog, not a leader, not demanding, but always willing.

I was so pleased in the last years of his life, when he learned to give his head a definite shake, "No!" at something I'd said. But of course he'd do what I asked anyway, because he just always did.

And when the chickens pictured below finally had run of the whole yard at my friend's place, Jordan took it upon himself to organize them (he was a collie).

He was lame, and he'd set off at a hobble after the chickens, who would scatter. Then he'd focus on one. If he got too far behind, the chicken would look over her shoulder and wait for him to catch up.

I miss my dear friend - the house seems empty and I feel lost without him.