My husband and I said a sad farewell to our best friend last week: our beloved greyhound, Luke. Luke was a fixture in my violin and viola lessons and practice sessions over the years. Many students remember him howling along with the music (a charming habit he developed in his later years). He was a warm and calming presence and had a knack for lightening the mood and setting students at ease. Even folks who didn’t fancy themselves “dog people” would turn to me after he laid his head upon their feet and say, “I LIKE this dog!” We will miss him tremendously and we are thankful that he lived a long, healthy life, and always brightened the mood of those around him.