Bella,

Bella, it is hard for us to write this as both Karen and I miss you so very very much. When you came to us from GPA we did not know what to expect. When we were called that they had a 4 year old for us we were excited and fell in love with you the moment we saw you. I knew you were meant for us. You learned fast how to live in a house; how to manage the stairs, when it was time to go for a walk and the tricks Karen taught you. You are such a smart dog.

When you developed a limp from your hind leg and the x-rays showed cancer, our hearts were broken! Looking into your eyes we knew you were not ready to leave yet. I know the surgery to remove your leg was tough but only you could have gotten through it. I prayed that you would be with us for 6 more months and after the 6th month came I prayed for another. The Lord granted us that time until you developed pain in your hip. It was a year from your surgery. We could see you were having a hard time walking the last 2 weeks but yet you still wanted to do it. You are so courageous and strong.

X-rays showed the cancer had reappeared in your pelvis and there was nothing left to do. As we held you when you passed over and said our tearful good-bye I know you are now without pain. Your body is whole once again and you are happy. I know the Lord sent you to us. You taught us life lessons He would want us to know and live by. You were abused and mistreated from the track but yet you were so filled with love and happiness. Only His presence in you could do that.

We miss you so very much and cannot believe you are gone. We miss your games you would play with us, the way you would play with your toys, the joy you had in going for a ride in the car and most of all the love you shared with us. Your sister Sophia misses you too and I know someday we will all be together again. I know His angels are caring for you and we cannot wait to be with you again. We love you baby. Be patient, we will be with you soon.

Sophia,

Sophia, you came to us after another couple gave you up after they had you for only a month. We were asked to foster you for a few days before you would be sent back to GAC for future adoption. One day with you and we knew you would be with Bella and us forever.

When you came to us you fit right in and it was obvious Bella found a new friend. Though she was the boss she taught you all you needed to know to capture our hearts, which really was just being the sweet girl you truly are. When Bella was taken from us you helped us through the loss and helped us see that it would be OK. You loved your car rides and I loved going out with you on errands so you could enjoy the ride. Now I don't know how I am going to go out to the grocery store without you. I can remember the talk we gave the Boy Scout group about greyhounds and how you acted like such a ham as the boys pet you and asked questions. You developed what appeared to be a disc herniation that began two weeks ago and got so bad that drug therapy was useless and back surgery wasn't an option. You were in so much pain with no options available that we had to let you go and we are devastated. As you left I held you in my arms and told you I love you. You were a blessing in our lives.

Now you are pain free and back with Bella again. Our house is so completely empty now without you and your not being here makes us cry as we look around expecting to see you and you are not here. Enjoy your freedom from the pain you endured, the time you now have with Bella, and remember we will always love you and know we will all be together soon.

I know His angels are caring for both of you and we cannot wait to be with you again. We love you babies. Be patient, we will be with you soon.

Maranatha Girls!!!