My deepest condolences, Peter. Pets are family, and though we go into pet ownership understanding their lives will be relatively brief, it still hurts to lose a member of the family.
My black lab, Agatha, comes with me every time I go to my bar as she knows I’ll give her some ice. I love the ritual and she does too. Sorry for your loss Peter.
Cheers to dogs with human names, and if there is any silver lining to the grief-cloud, you look like you’ve got many more generations of dogdadding ahead of you. Don’t let that hole in your heart remain empty for too long, and thank you for your transparency in celebrating him.
What a fucking gut punch. So so sorry for his departure.
I am so sorry for your loss of Blake. It is such a hard thing. I have enjoyed seeing his photos over the years that I have been a member. It is possible that his photos had a role in my my decision to become a member! I am a dog + cocktail person as well and will toast you and him the next time I have a great cocktail.
Condolences Peter; words feel clumsy at times like this but I know the ache your heart is feeling and the yawning void that is left when you lose a canine companion. RIP Blake.
I have been a devoted reader of your blog for a long time and have enjoyed so many of your awesome cocktails and learned so much from your thoughtful way of teaching the art of mixing. But this post brought tears to my eyes. You were very blessed to have such a friend with you to share your time in the basement bar. My prayers for you, your family, and your other big dog!
At my next gathering:
GUEST: “John, this is _delicious_! This isn’t just an Old Fashioned, what _is_ this??”
ME: “Well let me •sniff• tell ya about it,… •begins sobbing•…
(Which I think would be a worthy tribute.)
A worthy tribute indeed.
I hope that many people can enjoy it without crying. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to.
I was just thinking the same. 💔
We don’t deserve them, but they love us anyway. They are always gone too soon. My heartfelt condolences.
Pics of Blake have been a real treat. Nothing beats the love of a good dog.
Terribly sorry for your loss. Dogs give so much and ask so little.
My deepest condolences, Peter. Pets are family, and though we go into pet ownership understanding their lives will be relatively brief, it still hurts to lose a member of the family.
Sorry to hear you lost such a wonderful companion. Raising a glass for Blake, The Big Guy, Big Handsome.
Dude you’ve got me crying. Gone too soon; it seems like we’ve followed him through your column. And herself must be shocked as well.
Making a Big Handsome tonight for sure.
I’m so sorry, Peter. This is a heartbreaking post and a beautiful remembrance😢
My black lab, Agatha, comes with me every time I go to my bar as she knows I’ll give her some ice. I love the ritual and she does too. Sorry for your loss Peter.
All dogs are the best dogs. But a bar dog is the best of the best.
Cheers to dogs with human names, and if there is any silver lining to the grief-cloud, you look like you’ve got many more generations of dogdadding ahead of you. Don’t let that hole in your heart remain empty for too long, and thank you for your transparency in celebrating him.
What a fucking gut punch. So so sorry for his departure.
So sorry for your loss Peter. Even thinking about losing a dog gives me despair. I hope you can find peace soon. 🙏
What a good boy he was. Cheers.
I am so sorry for your loss of Blake. It is such a hard thing. I have enjoyed seeing his photos over the years that I have been a member. It is possible that his photos had a role in my my decision to become a member! I am a dog + cocktail person as well and will toast you and him the next time I have a great cocktail.
He was so handsome, so photogenic. But the Big Gal is quite pretty herself. And she'll be in every newsletter. Thank you for the kind words.
I am looking forward to meeting Big Gal.
Condolences Peter; words feel clumsy at times like this but I know the ache your heart is feeling and the yawning void that is left when you lose a canine companion. RIP Blake.
I have been a devoted reader of your blog for a long time and have enjoyed so many of your awesome cocktails and learned so much from your thoughtful way of teaching the art of mixing. But this post brought tears to my eyes. You were very blessed to have such a friend with you to share your time in the basement bar. My prayers for you, your family, and your other big dog!
Sounds like a great drink and a great life for Blake, wishing you and your family the best