Our beautiful blue-eyed boy’s name is Tigger, and he is a 12 year old Husky Lab mix.  My husband got this beautiful puppy for his children when they were much younger, so he has been in the family for many years.  As the children grew up and went out on their own, Tigger came to live with us.  None of us can describe the infinite love we have for our sweet Tigger.  He is not only loyal to all of us and so dedicated to his family, but he loves us all so much (as we do him)!  When we come home after being out for the day, or even being gone for just a little while, it is like we have been gone for a very lengthy time with the amazing welcome that we receive!  Also, we are convinced he smiles!!!  He makes the best facial expression and he exudes pure love…it’s like he is saying…Hi, I am so glad you are home, I missed you so much and I love you!

Our Tigger is so very important in our lives, and he is loved and appreciated more than words can say!

— Julia from Jacksonville, FL

I would just like to say that our 9 yr old lil yorkie Zeba lost her battle with cancer today. She had 2 previous surgeries and an issue with paralysis in her hind right leg. Today she had 3 more little cancerous breasts removed, which went well. Then her little heart couldn’t handle the recovery and we lost her at noon today. She was the sweetest little dog ever and will be truly missed by our family!!

— Lorrie from Blacklick, OH

My name is Kylie and I am 9 years old. I live in Florida. I had a dog named Samson.  He was a mix of German Shepherd, Doberman, and Grey Hound..He was the best dog ever. Whenever there was a snake in the yard or close by he would alert us so that we would know to be aware and careful. One bright blue morning as we walked outside to get him, he did not seem well. We loaded him into the car and took him to the vet. He could not walk or stand up so we had to carry him into the vet’s office. The vet told us what was wrong. There were too many things going on inside his body not even the richest person could save him.We sat with him for at least 3 hours sobbing our eyes out. Finally we had to leave and not even 5 minutes later we got a call saying he went into cardiac arrest. the doctors tried to save him…but it was to late she picked up the phone and said”we are sorry but Sampson is gone”. i was sobbing . he was the one who brought us our chocolate lab buddy i will never forget him i still cry in school

— Kylie from Panama, FL

Smokey was my cat, not I should write anything here.  But….I essentially rescued Smokey who was about 1 year old grey tabby cat who was no longer wanted by her owner.  Odds of being allergic to her where high, my father and brothers are deathly allergic to cats.  I soon found out, I too was deathly allergic.  None the less, I took her in and we became great friends.  Smokey wasn’t too social, until she decided it was ok.  Smokey didn’t like my reading the newspaper or a book, loved being outside and occasionally would drop off a gift for me at my back door.  Sadly I had to put her down last summer and miss her abundantly!  I miss her greeting me at the back door when I come home from work and her lying at the end of the bed at the end of the day.  Pets bring us so much joy and they love so unconditionally.  Thanks for letting me share about my cat.  Miss her much.

— Regina from Twinsburg, OH

Miss Lucy was my service dog for many years. I adopted her when first diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. She was in a shelter and seemed so scared. But it wasn’t long before she was home with me and being the “lady” of the home.

Over the years she helped me in many ways. From accompanying me on my walks, to fetching  my glucometer when I was in such a fog from low blood sugar that I couldn’t get my own testing supplies.

Last year I had to say goodbye to Miss Lucy. It was one of the most difficult moments of life. She had acquired stomach cancer and was wasting rapidly, and was losing the use of her hind legs as well, due to RA. The vet suggested I put her down rather than allow her to waist and be in pain.

She slipped off quickly…too quickly. I barely got to say goodbye and she was gone.

But I am convinced I will see her again one day. And when that time comes, neither she nor I will be ill.

Goodbye my dear Miss Lucy. And thank you for taking care of me. I only wish I could have had more time with you.

She was 17 years old.

— Leah from Ft. Worth, TX

Our GSD Frekkie “Fangs” passed away this weekend.  She was 10 years old.  Frekkie was the name we gave her – Frekkie was one of Odin’s pet wolves.  We adopted Frekkie from a rescue shelter in VA; 3 years ago.  That story is worth remembering.  The shelter  location was rural with a long driveway.  As we approached, Frekkie came off the porch and walked right up to me.  She looked me in the eye and “In dog language” let me know she wanted OUT.  She sat at my side and did her best to maintain eye contact.  She stayed with me when we met the property owner, and remained there during our entire visit – occasionally taking the initiative to show me her dog skills: sit, stay, down, beg, high five, etc….

We originally came to see another dog.  Frekkie was placed into a kennel while the target dog was released.  Frekkie began barking – NOOOO!  Take me!!!  Not that one!  I’m way better.  She paced nervously in the kennel, while the target dog behaved poorly.  Frekkie raced to my side when the other dog returned to the kennel.  Frekkie followed me when I went to obtain paperwork from the truck.  She jumped inside and with a sheepish grin said:  “Nice truck…  This is Cool, right? I promise you won’t regret this.”  I looked at my wife and said – I guess we have our dog.

Frekkie came to live with us and immediately took possession of the property – she was a fearless protector and loyal companion.  After her arrival, our family and friends had to wait in their cars until we retrieved them.  Her protective nature provided my wife much comfort.  Frekkie was a very expressive and communicative dog.  She would all make her displeasures known, should we not provide sufficient attention – this  included affections between me and the wife.  Frekkie was a little jealous and did not appreciate my loving my wife and not her.  Howling and moving between us conveyed her message – What about ME?

Frekkie recently provided us a pair of puppies.  They are beautiful and the spitting image of their mom.  My wife constantly nagged Frekkie to get pregnant – we also have a fine male GSD.  Sure enough, Frekkie did what she was asked – as she always did.  She was weak after the delivery (C-section) and never fully recovered. We unexpectedly learned she had contracted spleen cancer when her lethargy became acute.  4 days passed from diagnosis to death.  She passed quietly in her sleep.  May God bless her on the next leg of her journey.

— Dave from Newburg, MD