Cole was taken from us far too soon. He was a stray puppy, one of a litter of 5 that we know of, who was found wandering the streets in late September and taken to the local Humane Society. We happened to stop by with a family member who was looking for an addition, when my eyes locked with his, and in that instant we knew we were meant to be together- that was September 27th. We arranged the adoption that day, but had to wait to bring him home until after he was neutered on September 30th. We visited him daily while still in "jail", played with him for hours and waited for the day he could come home and meet his new family. He was an instant hit with our family, which gave him 3 big sisters and a new big brother- all Schipperkees ages 3-11, and he fit right in. He was goofy with his too big feet, and I wondered how big he would become, as at 12 weeks he was already bigger than all the schipperkes. He chewed on the chairs and the rugs- as well as the rawhides, he walked through the end tables- knocking all the magazines off in all directions. He could go up the stairs with ease, but was too scared to come down, even when carried! He gave unconditional love and joy- all too briefly as he became ill after being home only 2 short days. What started out as a sinus infection- improving after 2 visits to the vet in 2 days, suddenly spun into a horrible parvo and took our baby in less than 6 hours. It is amazing how quickly your heart can be enveloped - I loved him instantly and deeply, a connection on a level I have never felt before- and in only a few days. I am a better human for having known Cole, and I am left in a state of perpetual sorrow wondering what could have been. Cole, though your time here was brief, you touched all of our hearts, and you are deeply, deeply missed and loved.