Usdi's life started out rough, as an unwanted puppy by her own mother and her owners. Usdi's brother drowned in a water pail in the lot in which they were born. Despite all odds, Usdi managed to survive the first weeks of her life by persistence and luck. Our son was asked to feed and water the dogs while the owners were out of town. Soon, finding a fat bellied, wormy, little puppy following him as he would try to leave after feedings. He even brought her home with him in an old laundry basket, sat her in our living room floor where she promptly relieved herself on the carpet. I remember plainly telling him to take that "whimpering mutt" back to where she came from, which he did. Days later we were at the home of the owners of this little beagle. I suppose my heart gave in to the site of this little pitiful thing. She fit rather well in my t-shirt pocket so I brought her home. I named her Usdi, a Cherokee word meaning "small" or "little", which she was. This was April 1997, the beginning of a journey....... Usdi was the best, she loved everybody and everything. It was like Usdi was born human in a beagle body. Unfortunately, that pretty little body had allergies and her life was shortened by steroids and veterinary incompetence. We had no training and trusted Usdi's vet of 5 years We trusted he was doing what was best for our precious love. Little did we know (till after her death) that the steroids, specifically "Vetalog", was possibly slowly stealing Usdi's life away. Usdi lived a short 9 years. In those years, she forever became part of our hearts and our souls.... Usdi was a full member of this family. We love her and miss her so much. In Loving Memory of Usdi: http://www.usdislife.com http://rainbowsbridge.com/residents/USDI001/Resident.htm http://www.dogster.com/dogs/392629