Seven years ago we resued a very terrified Sheltie running in circles around the neighborhood. I brought him home, advertised for his owner, and no response. I took him to the vet, he had several abcessed teeth, he was underweight and in general poor condition. We kept him as our own, had his medical problems taken care of, and he became my closest companion. He loved to go in the car and went everywhere with me. Two years ago he developed Arthritis in his hind leg. It was getting pretty bad, he could no longer walk on the foot. I took him to Physical Therapy once a week. He had water therapy, massage and a soft brace to help him get around. He continued in PT for a year and a half. He also developed a collapsing Trachea. It was closing and made breathing difficult, so he was limited on his ability to be active. I treated his pain with mild meds, provided ramps on all stairs, helped him with getting around and sometimes carried him when he needed help. He had become quite large! about 48 lbs.!

It was my pleasure to help my friend with all of his needs. Last April he came into the house with a little coaxing, he was an indoor dog, and it was cold outside. The coldness bothered his legs. He walked around the front room and started down the hall to the kitchen to get his treat and layed down and stopped breathing. I got to him just as he took his last three breaths. I still can’t keep from crying when his name is even mentioned. The loss has been so great to me that I have been unable to come to terms with it. I want to read your book, but I will have to wait until I am able to recover from my loss. My heart goes out to all of the people who have lost their beloved friends. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you at this time of emptyness. I received a card that I keep by my computer, maybe this will help: Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you. Do not let the thought of me be sad, for I am loving you just as I always have. You were so good to me! I loved you so… T’was heaven here with you.

Nikki from OR