Well, I didn’t plan on having a dog, but this one was special.  Nobody wanted him, he was in a pound in Kansas, was adopted by a friend who couldn’t keep him, and I couldn’t let this guy go back to the pound.  He is too wonderful, I can’t describe how friendly and loving and protective he is.  No words.  He is my best friend, for life, and I feel I have been blessed.  His name is Punkin and I really don’t know how old he is.

— Vince from Sandia, NM

It has now been one month since our pet Chipper passed away.   Words just can’t express how much a void we have in our lives since he left us.   Every time I walk through the door into the house I expect him to be there to greet me with a hug.   His presence is felt just as strongly as it was when I took this picture of him inspecting his stocking early on Christmas morning before everyone woke up.

He was very high maintenance to the point of stalking me all over the house and he would go crazy to be with me when I was outside.   I loved it!   Having someone who unconditionally loved me and wanted to be with me 24/7 was a joy and I miss it!

My kids grew up with Chipper and miss him so much.   My wife has mourned along with me as he meant so much to everyone.   Domesticating Pets has to be among the best inventions ever made by man.   What a blessing they are!   RIP my beloved Chipper.   We love you!

— Fred from Suwanee, GA

On June 28, 2010, I adopted a sweet 3 year old angel in a tuxedo – Louie Reese.  In 4 years.. we’d gone from a 4 cat house down to one heartbroken kitty.  Scott Joplin had lost him mama Lucy very suddenly 3 weeks earlier to an illness I was unaware she had.. and we were desolate without her and our 2 other kitties who were lost in the previous years.. Scottie needed a brother and friend.  I was compelled to go to the humane society and after a brief search found our angel.. Louie was 3 years old and had been there for 5 months.. He has healed and charmed and loved his way into our hearts and although it took Scottie awhile.. they are now the best of friends.  Louie was God’s beautiful gift to us..

— Laurie from Traverse City, MI

Our old “Mom” cat had finally died of old age.  When we and the kids had the funeral in the back yard, a stray female cat was waiting at the prepared gravesite.  After the service, she followed us to the house and demanded to be let in.  We named her “Toonces” after the “driving cat” from Saturday Night Live.  A couple of months later she had a 4-kitten litter.  We gave away 3 of them, but one had such amazing colors we kept her. She was named “Smudge” as she looked like she fell down a chimney.  This mother and daughter became our best and most loving friends.  Toonces died 2 years ago at the age of 21-1/2.  Smudge died a year ago at 19-1/2.  We could not stand to have a house with no animals.  We went to a Pet Adoption fair 3 months ago and found “Sophie”.  A 6-7 year old “Little Orphan Annie” type terrier.  The new love of our lives.  She even came pre-programmed with tricks. (Sit, shake, sit-up).  Pets are one of God’s most glorious gifts.

— Mike from Richmond, MI

Our beloved Golden retriever, Annie, died rather suddenly yesterday. She was only 2 years old, developed vomiting and even with support at a tertiary veterinary service she expired. Don’t have the answers yet bur our heart is broken. Had to share with dog lovers who understand the pain. Vets suggested poison but there really is no place where she would have ingested this. She was healthy and perfect in AM and dead in PM. Our house is eerily quiet and our world just seems a lot more empty. We have had losses before and they are never easy to say goodbye. In this case we were totally taken by surprise.Mark you touched me and my wife when you lost your dear friend and I know you can relate to where we are emotionally.

— Arthu from Foxboro, MA

My 13 year old cocker spaniel, Chewie, is the sweetest dog that I think that has ever walked on this Earth.  He is kind and patient.  He has been with us since our 2001.  But, Chewie is failing.  He is struggling to maintain his bladder and his bowels.  He is going blind.  I can see the cataracts in his eyes and one of them is becoming milky white.  He is littered with skin tumors and has just recently lost the use of his left hind leg.  I am finding it it difficult, financially, to make him comfortable and healthy.  But with all of his ailments, he still continues to think that he is a puppy.  He has a voracious appetite and constantly wants to play, even with only three legs.  He has his little brother, our collie/Shepard mix, 7 year old, Buddie, that keeps him company, and who watches over him.  But I’m fearful that Chewie’s time may be running out.  He loves to sleep with our 8 year old daughter and used to be able to jump on her bed, but, now he can’t, and she doesn’t understand why.  He tries so hard, he can’t make it.  So, she sleeps on the floor with him and says, “please lay with me, Chewie, I love you.”  I don’t know what to do.  I can’t say goodbye, but I can’t let him go.

— Ralph from Rio Rancho, NM