Wolfman Jack, or Wolfey as he was better known, was a shaggy black mutt and former pound puppy who stole the hearts of his family with his gentle nature, zest for life and popcorn-catching prowess.

From the moment his mom and two-year-old human sister picked him up from the pound, Wolfey’s joy was palpable. A jumper, a player, a lifelong chaser of squirrels, he loved all people, and children in particular.

Wolfey was an avid barker, a tennis ball aficionado and at heart, a country dog. He loved sniffing at streams, running through gardens and pawing through leaves in the woods of New Hampshire. Later in life, he could be spotted loping through the hills of Napa Valley.

During difficult times, Wolfey was a tireless shoulder to cry on and a constant comfort to his little sister when she was sad. His fur was better than a box of tissues – and he shed his thick black hair in massive quantities. His family’s favorite rhyme was “Wolfey hair is everywhere!” Even on the ceiling.

Stubborn and opinionated, Wolfey had a mind of his own. Famously, he’d hop on the bed the minute his human family left the house, despite his mom’s protestations.  Car rides made him crazy — he’d bark, drool and howl, but he was an adventurer and loved trips of any kind.

Wolfey gave his family plenty of scares, from employing escape artist antics to getting hit by a car. But even the accident didn’t cramp his style – he was always eager to meet another day.

One of Wolfey’s brightest moments was his 15th birthday party — a festive tribute to his life that had him seated at a table as the guest of honor. He wore a party hat, ate a birthday cake and ice cream (his favorite) and eagerly tore open presents with his paws. He was beside himself with joy.

In his later years, Wolfey’s teeth chattered and his fur wore thin, but his spirit never did. He was as full of enthusiasm his last day on earth as he was when he rode home with his family from the shelter — an example of a life well lived. And while he never achieved his lifelong dream of catching a squirrel, he came very, very close.

Wolfey passed on painlessly at the age of 17 in the company of his Auntie Aleta. He lived a long life and taught us many lessons. May he run like a gust of wind from now until forever.

“Everything I know, I learned from dogs.” – Nora Roberts