I will never forget your last day with me. I was outside watching you run along the fence as your friends ran along in their yard. I even remarked how I never saw you run so fast. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see you run. You came into the house and you laid down on the den floor and let out the loudest cry I ever heard. After that whatever room I was in the rest of the day you laid on the floor next to me. You wouldn't eat or drink anything even when I brought the bowl to you. I was hoping you would recover but after a few hours we took you to the hospital emergency room. The Vet there did an x-ray and found a large mass on your spleen that burst. He said if he operated he couldn't guarantee he could get it all. I had to make the hardest decision that night to put you to sleep as I cried my heart out. I cried for weeks and still cry now 2 1/2 months later when I think of that day.
I am at peace now knowing that you are in a better place free of pain. You once again can run and play and be happy. I know you have made many friends because you were always a happy, friendly guy.

I made a memorial garden for you outside our front door to the right of the steps where the rock garden is. I put a garden flag with a picture of a dog that looks like you with the word "Woof" printed on the bottom. I got a memorial stone engraved that says "Our Prince SPARKY" 2000 -- 2010. Also I put statues of a rabbit and squirrels because you used to like to chase them.
I have your picture all over the house. I want to be sure my memory of you lasts forever. I found a poem I printed and framed, it is on my computer desk. It says:

SPARKY
I know that it must be different, now that I am no longer there.
I realize how much I was loved and how all of you did care.
I know it will be hard at first when you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed or beside my favorite tree.
Someday you will begin to see although it'll take some time,
the happy times you shared with me, the memories are yours and mine.
I'll remember you, my friends, and how much you meant to me.
So please don't grieve and don't be sad, it was just my time to leave.

The Garden
God looked around the garden and found an empty space. He then looked
down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful, he only takes
the best. God knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never be well on Earth again. He saw the road was
getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So he took you home to
Heaven and Whispered, "Peace be Thine." It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you the day God took you home.

I will love you forever. You will always be "My Prince". Until we meet at Rainbow Bridge I will keep you in my heart. You are now my Special Angel watching over me from Heaven.

All my Love
Mommy