I met Tessa Saturday november 1st afternoon on an unexpected trip to my local animal shelter.  She was blind and a little wobbly, but just the sweetest and most loving thing.... I asked her if she wanted to come home with me and she snuggled close, I took that as a yes.  I brought her home the following monday,around 3 p.m. She roamed around the house for about 20 minutes, then wanted nothing more than to snuggle and cuddle with me.  I was more than happy to accomidate her, and i think it was then that we bonded... i held her for the next 7 hours with very brief breaks, she had a seizure right before 10 p.m. and she was gone by 11.45 p.m.   I know it seems silly that i am so heartbroken over an animal i really knew for less than 12 hours.... but something dragged me into the pound that day, i was meant to find her, and i like to think that she was meant to find me.  I held her in my arms, reminding her how loved she was and thanking her for coming into my life when she passed, and while it was swift and quiet it was the most difficult thing i have ever done.  I only hope that she is now at peace, romping around in heaven,where she can see again, playing with the bugs, and birds and napping in the sun, and all those things that endear our "kids" to us.  I want to think that she is looking down on me and saying "it's o.k. mom... you did the right thing... thank you for not letting me suffer, and i KNOW you loved me and thank you for that and my last hours with you were the best i could ever have have"... its hard, but thats what i like to think anyway