Allie

Allie was just supposed to be our "loaner" dog. She belonged to friends of ours who couldn't take her along when they moved. We were only supposed to keep her until they found another place to live that would allow pets. "No more than six months," my husband said when he begged for her to stay. Well, don't tell anyone, but I wouldn't have given that dog back after one week.

She was six years old when she came to us "on loan" and today, nine days after turning 14, I had her put down. She developed "bloat" and I couldn't bear the thought that she might be in pain. The saddest part of all is that two months ago, my husband, Bob, passed away also. So I took her today by myself and held her for a long time after it was over. I just have to think that they'll be together again - Allie and her "daddy" - just like they would've wanted to be. She's been so lost these past two months without him.

Now my daughters and I will be truly lost without them both. We will love and miss you forever, Allie.

Love, Mommy (Lori), Deanna, Emily and Sugar the hamster