Heart & Soul: A writer mourns the loss of his loyal dog

'I could have told you, Vincent: The world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.' — Excerpt from Vincent by Don McLean.

You came into our lives in September 2008 when mother and I brought you back from a clinic. You were just one and a half months old. With those two big round eyes, and soft and furry brown hair – it was hard to resist hugging you, Vincent.