Dear Bandit,

You were my best friend for almost twenty years. When I got you, you were so small, I could hold you in the palm of one hand. You were the runt of the litter and we never fiqured out what breed you were, but you were the best compainon I could have ever asked for. Even six years later, there isn't a day that I don't think of you. I used to say that in a past life, you must have been an Old Jewish Banker. You had that hack when you coughed and when I would pour my piggy bank on the floor, you would kick it around and stare intently at it till some one made it jingle again. When I came home from work at night, you were always so excited to see me. I would get hugs and kisses for ten minutes after I sat down. I remember how you used to do your rounds ever night before bed and check the kids in bed, only after that were you ready to come and snuggle in bed with me. You made sure all was well in the world before we went to sleep. the day I had to put you to sleep was as hard as the day I buried Tony. That is a heartache I will always carry with me. To me the loss was just as deep as losing Tony. I pray at night that God has you and Tony in heaven together again.

Missing You,
Pat

Dear Baby Louie,

When I got back from the vet that night, I only made it up the stairs because I was on the phone with Grandma. It was a distraction, otherwise I think I would have gone anywhere else. The pain of not having you here was overwhelming. In your almost 18 years with me, you provided more love, companionship and comfort than you can possibly know, or than I can possibly express. A few days after you left us, the vet sent a poem about the Rainbow Bridge. Below the poem are your very own paw prints. I touched them and realized it was the last bit of you I had..the last part of your life. You had touched this paper, and the grief consumed me once again. But the truth is Louie, you touched everything. You provided security when I was scared, when I had a panic attack, when I cried over the many changes I've faced. You were my constant, my star. Everyone was devastated that you had to leave us, and I wondered if I did the right thing. I still do. But I know you were suffering. You fought your illness and took your medicine for 7 years, like a champ. Your body seemed to be giving out, and that last day you looked so tired, so defeated. But Louie your soul was and is so strong. I love you with everything that I am and I will never, ever forget you. I was 18 when I first saw you and held you and every single day with you was a blessing from God. I miss you Louie, we all miss you, and I will cherish our memories always. Thank you for everything you gave to us all. Thank you so much my precious friend.

Love,
Mom

Dear Nina,

Not a day goes by when i dont think about you. You were such a sweet doggie and I miss you so much. I wish you were still here with me baby girl. you always made me so happy with the funny things you did. i loved the way you always chased after the balls you found every where we went. I loved the way you would sneak upstairs at night and wait for your treat and fall asleep like a baby on the bed. I miss your piggy-like grunts and your cute fat little body. Nina, I miss every thing about you. I wish I did things differently for you near the end. I think about your labored breathing and how very skinny you got and i feel so bad to think that you were suffering. I remember the day you came over to me while i was sitting at the computer and I picked you up on my lap and you just cuddled there with me for a half hour and for once you didnt worry about Kendal getting jealous. Nina, what other dog becomes a teddy bear when sitting on mommy's lap? What other dog eats just about anything at all or lies on her side for hours when she thinks she sees a goody waiting underneath a peice of furniture? Or runs up to complete strangers for a quick hello and a hug? Nina i miss you so much. When i think that I'll never see you again i just want to cry. i can only hope that someday we will see each other again. When its my turn to go i hope i see you there waiting for me..I love you Nina girl...

Love,
mommy

Dear Meatball, Lennox, Romeo, Judge,

You were a foursome to recon with. My fearless kitty Mr. Meatball who would wrestle with lennox and snuggle with Romeo. My gentle patient protective Judgie who never left my side. When your hip started hurting so badly that you couldnt get up the stairs to protect me I could feel your heart break. I would have slept on the couch for the rest of my life to keep you with me. My dearest Romeo, you lived up to your name and then some... you were the sweetest most loving bulldog I could have ever wanted. Watching your ears perk up whenever I entered the kitchen and knowing you were right on my heels was a great joy for me. Mr Ox.. my beloved Lennox. You were the embodiement of beauty and grace. You were as goofy as Marmaduke and as commanding as a soldier. I miss you all and there isnt a day that has passed that I havent thought of you. I love you all.

Love,
Meredith aka Momma

Dear Cherry,

Love of my life, I'm sorry I couldn't save you... I think about you every day and wish you were with us. I love you so much and miss you terribly ! You are my precious angel and I love you with all my heart !!! My sweet, unforgettable, beloved baby...my priceless miracle... !!! ???...
Wait for me !

Love,
Always ???