I lost my dear Willi last night.  He was my Valentine’s Day present in 2003.  He was so smart, sweet and loving.  The best dog I’ve ever known.  I named him after my great-grandfather, who trained shepherds for the German army in WWI.  I trained Willi in German.  I wish you could have known him, Mark.  He suddenly took ill yesterday, and died in my arms.  I know that God is feeding him hot dogs now…

— Rich from Mesa, AZ

I lost my precious tiny toy poodle Merlin just a few weeks ago.  He was 14 years old..  Even though I have 3 other dogs the house seemed so empty without him.  I stopped at the local animal shelter on other business.  I couldn’t resist checking out the dogs for adoption and this little girl looked up at me and wagged her stubby little tail.  Her name was Daisy.  I’d adopted another shelter dog 20 years ago—a Jack Russell named Daisy.  It seemed like a sign.  I didn’t want to adopt her on the rebound so to speak because I missed Merlin so much so I wend home and thought about it for a couple days.  I couldn’t stop thinking about her there. Her owners turned her in because they were moving. After 8 years, goodbye little dog!  She was in no danger as our local shelter doesn’t euthanize healthy adoptable dogs—even older ones.

She looked like she wanted to come home with me.  My other dogs are about the same age and they seemed to accept her.  Daisy didn’t take Merlin’s place.  I still miss him so much, but helping Daisy makes it hurt a little less.

— Christine from Silver Lake, NY

I lost my friend Bud today. He was in my life for two short years. Rescued on a cold wintery February night after I got off my 12 hour shift, He was almost forgotten by me as I became frustrated with the person who had ownership of him. He was jetsam from a divorce in Arizona and I had the pleasure of introducing him to Ohio snow. First time I saw him I knew he would be my ‘bud’, I took possession of ‘prince’ and started his life as my companion. The partnership was only two years due to health issue of renal problems and we survived though fear of thunder, bad teeth, extractions, special diets, and this last bout of renal problems that led to surgery that he did not survive. We are blessed that God gives us such unselfish friends with four legs in this world. A short life experience but remembered treasure forever.

— Greg from Youngstown, OH

I laid to rest a friend today
My friend with floppy ears.
A friend that took me for what I was
For sixteen doggy years.
No questions asked, it’s you and me
In fair or stormy weather
And whatever happens day by day
It’s you and me together.
Food and water was all she asked
And a head pat once in a while
And she would give me a waggy tail
To bring on a pleasing smile.

I hope I’ve learned what my furry friend
Has shown me through the years.
Hope and faith and friendship,
A friendship that endears.
My friend walks with me even now
The shadow at my heel.
And me and God and my friend know
Just how the Hell I feel!
We’ll meet again my friend and I
When He rings the bell for me,
But till then I will remember
The joy she shared with me.

— Pete from Morristown, AZ

What a sad day.  We said goodbye to our sweet beautiful Goldie today after being with us for 16 years.  Goldie was our peacemaker. Regardless of how much we disagreed about so many thing in life, we always agreed on our love for her.  Goldie was our tranquilizer.  Just putting a hand on her calmed us.
A few weeks ago, shortly after her 16th birthday, Goldie let us know she was worn out…just tired.  The water therapy she loved was too much for her now.  She wasn’t even strong enough to lift her head to eat.
Goldie went to sleep surrounded by us (her first family) and her extraordinary, caring friends at Old Mill.  We miss her so much already.

— Joan from Leesburg, VA

About a year ago I adopted a miniature schnauzer, we named Walter, who had been chained to a tree the entire two years of his life.  There he was in the rain, snow, sleet, hail, and heat suffering,barking and longing to run free.  He was finally sold for a case of beer and I adopted him.  I live on over 25 acres and he has not been tied up since.  He runs free and has built up a lot of muscle and gained an independence that is a joy to see.  He loves me and enjoys cuddling in my lap as I watch t.v. but he is happiest running after his friends the barn cats or chasing our other two labs.

You talking on your show persuaded me to get this little guy and I am so happy I did.  It seems like rescued dogs have a true appreciation for the better life they are provided because they know what it is like on “the other side” where things are not always so easy.

— Karla from Millsap, TX