Spike

May 3, 1999

Dear Spike,

When Uncle Mike brought you home as a puppy 12 years ago the whole family thought you were so cute. The only concern was that you were a pitbull and we had heard so many bad things about dogs of your breed. How will he be when he's full grown? Will he attack? Can the grandchildren still visit and be safe with you? These are the questions we had.

How very wrong we were. How sorry I am for ever having thoughts of you like that. You alone prove it's how you're raised and not genetics that will determine if a dog will be a faithful companion or a news story in the local paper. The only fight you were ever in is the one you lost today to cancer. If it's true that dogs go to heaven, then you're in the arms of angel tonight.

Thanks Spike for all the fun times, thanks for all the laughs, and thanks for making our house a home.

The Gilliland Family