Junior

Junior belonged to my parents who died within five months of each other in 1991. He was originally bought for my mother, but she developed Alzheimer's and had to be put in a nursing home. Junior knew that there was something wrong with her and would constantly follow her when she would wander around the house. If she laid down on the sofa, he would get up in his chair and lay down and watch her. If she got up - he got up.

After mom went into the nursing home, he "attached" himself to my father - who was suffering with emphysema. He would sit in the chair next to my dad every day and just gaze out the window. My dad always said he was "watching the neighborhood."

After their deaths, I inherited him (he was then 13); I had to put him to sleep at the age of 17. It was was very difficult, but I was fortunate to find a vet that would come to the house to do it while I held him in my arms.

He was, basically, the last link to my parents. I think his own star would be a worthwhile tribute to his love and loyalty to mom and dad.