by Linda
I was all of 12 when she came to live with us. She was my oldest brothers dog, who was bought at a pet store by my brothers at the time girlfriend. Having a rabbit that I had since I was 6, I was not too keen on the idea of having a dog in the house, especially since my brothers said she would be a hunting dog (ha!). As time went on and this 'hunting dog' proved to be forever terrified of guns, and my rabbit had crossed over the rainbow bridge, we became best friends. When I turned 25, and my old Suzi Girl was 13 1/2, it had become apparent that she was getting too tired to go on. She had become very overweight through the years and even though she had a strong heart, her arthritic legs couldn't take much more and I knew the ultimate decision was to be made. The morning came when I kissed her on the head and even though she couldn't hear or see anymore, she wagged her tail at my scent. "I will love you forver, my friend" was all I could say to her. I left then, as my mother would have to take her for the final ride to the doctors. Mom promised me she would hold her paw and not let her die alone. When I came home that night, her dishes were gone, as was her Christmas Stocking ( it was December 14th). This all took place in 1983. It seems only like yesterday. Run free, my friend, free to play.....free of pain. I will love you forever.