I’ve been reading “Rescuing Sprite” and I can only say that it’s been tough. My husband I had to let go of our beloved baby Ashleigh on Dec. 18th and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her.

I’m attaching a story that my husband wrote after we returned from the vet. I can only say that it was the hardest and most painful day of our lives.

“One afternoon my wife was coming home from work. Just before she turned down our street, the car in front of her suddenly stopped, opened the car door and threw out a dog. As the car drove off my wife quickly got out of her car and approached the little dog who was in the middle of the road. She called out to the little dog and it came straight to her. That began what would be an eleven and a half year love affair.

We named her Ashleigh. A small gray and white Shih Tzu with big brown eyes. Ashleigh loved to ride in the car and sleep between us in the bed. She especially loved to cuddle with my wife on the couch as they both watched Oprah.

What is it about God’s creatures that endear our hearts to them? Is it because they love us as we should love each other? Unconditionally, passionately, never asking for anything in return?

Several months ago Ashleigh developed tumors on her adrenal glands. A few weeks ago they became cancerous. After numerous trips to our veterinarian and specialists, the diagnosis was that everything that could be done was not enough. And so we loved her and waited.

Tonight will be the first time in over eleven years that Ashleigh will not sleep between us in the big bed. She was our constant joy, our princess, our little girl.

Ashleigh, Mommy and Daddy love you so much. We always have and we always will. Go, run and play in Heaven’s fields that never fade with the sunset. Where pain is in the past and the warmth of the sun will be your eternal blanket.

Someone once told me that one day God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. I wish that day were today because I’m having a tough time reading what I’m typing.

You were the princess of Goodlettsville, our love. Mommy and Daddy miss you so much.”

Julie from TN