Farewell, Diva...

Diva, the beloved pet of Patrick and Tom of Genoa, Italy, passed away recently. Here she is cradled in Patrick's arms as we waited for the train from Genoa to Milan in the summer of 2005. On the train ride she sat on my lap, and we were offended on her behalf when a very young conductor came by and asked where her 'billetta' (ticket) was. "We never buy her a train ticket," Patrick replied, but shelled out the few Euros anyway, so we could all stay on the train. She wasn't even taking up a seat!

Another time I walked her in a park near Patrick and Tom's apartment when they were away for the day. It was dusk, and she had a happy though non-productive walk. It is one of my best memories of Genoa.

Farewell, sweet Diva.