Blackie was our first pet.  He was a Lab Mix.  He died in 1989 after having contracted Parvo after he was placed in a cage at the vet's office that was not cleansed thoroughly after a pet with the disease had died. Blackie was absolutely healthy until the prior date of his death when he had to undergo surgery, it was to be a simple surgery he came home that day but came home very sick.  For a dog who brought us such happiness he died a very painful death, I can still remember him whining and crying from I guess the pain, no matter how much we rushed to get him to the Doctor it was too late and he died in our arms. But the joy the Blackie brought to my heart will forever remain there and it has made me feel to this day that my life cannot be without a dog.  I remember so much about Blackie, how I first walked him as a puppy, when I was only 13 years old, and how I used him as an excuse to sneak out of the house to see my first boyfriend. (He had to go for a walk) I remember how he hated taking a bath, and how he loved to be spoiled, how much he loved chicken and rice.  I was a young woman 23 years old when Blackie died but he was forever my first dog, he will be in my heart forever....I hope you are in Heaven Blackie with all the other dogs we lost and I really hope there is a Heaven and that someday I will see you again.  I am now 39 years old and still to this day remember you.    Anna.