My 73-year old Dad, Don Lookabill, was one of the greatest dog lovers ever. Over the years, we had several dogs, but for the past 13 years, he had a pug named DJ – short for Dozer Jr. And DJ loved my Dad just as much – and could always be found right by his side. They spent their years together making each other happy as their health declined. Then this past summer, the time came that we had to have DJ put to sleep. I went with my father – and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do – to watch this strong, loving man lay his friend to rest. My Dad’s health had declined to such a point that he could barely hold DJ, so that was my job. We left the vet’s office with few words. A week or two later, he picked up DJ’s cremated remains and kept the box near him. Just a few weeks ago, my Dad and I started out on our annual trip to NC to get apples and visit family. As we drove, we talked about many things – one thing was how he missed DJ and still would pick a piece of food off of his plate to slip to him – only to remember he was gone. Later that evening, my father passed away. Needless to say, DJ was placed by my father’s side – together again forever.

Donna from MD