Tess came into our lives unexpectedly.  I was at work one day when I answered the phone is was her previous owner.  He was in dire straits and didn't have the funds to take care of her medical issues.  Upon further discussion with him and not wanting him to euthansize her I met up with the owner and had them sign a release giving me custody of Tess. From the moment I brought her home it was like she had known us forever.  She immediately settled in and the pink collar and leash suited her well.  We even made her a pink bandana to hide the mass she has protruding from her neck.  Later the bandana would be used to hide the scar and sutures while it healed.  Tess enjoyed laying at the end of the sofa and sometimes rested her head on the back of the sofa to watch out the picture window.  She enjoyed playing with her 2 canine brothers and put them in their places when the need arised.  She enjoyed hanging out with her human children too and sometimes I think she thought she was their mother.  She had the most wonderful personality I had ever met in an old girl like her.  She was very sweet mannered and loyal. She always looked like she was smiling. Her golden red coat was as soft as could be and she even allowed Aby to paint her toenails.  Her time with us was short lived as she succumbed to a variety of problems.  We loved her with all of our hearts for the previous 2 months.  Saying goodbye was very difficult for all of us.  I still keep thinking I am going to feel her curl up at my feet or put her nose on the side of our bed for a nice pet.  She liked the color pink and enjoyed sitting in the sun watching the kids play ball. She will be greatly missed.  I rest knowing that even though our hearts are heavy because we miss her she is in a good place and no longer suffering. We love you Tess.