Dusty was my precious little baby.  I remember when I first saw him, he was five weeks old and he came running up to me.  He didn't want me to put him down.  Dusty slept with me and followed me around the house all the time.  He protected me and made sure no one ever hurt mommy.  He was my little baby boy.  I miss him so much.  When the doctor came and told me he had cancer three weeks ago I almost lost it.  We took him to the University of Illinois to see if they could help him but were told he had cancer in his liver, lymph nodes and spleen.  They tried to give him chemotherapy but it didn't work.  He ended up not being able to walk or stand up.  He was home this weekend and he had nine different medicines.  He would bark every two hours and I would bring him water and/or food.  My poor baby was helpless.  It hurt so much to see him like that.  I miss him so much and wish he would have gotten better.  I can't figure out why he had to get cancer.  He was the best dog ever and I loved him so.



Here is a letter I wrote to him:

Dusty,

I just wanted to tell you how special you were.  From the first moment I saw you I fell in love with you.  You were such an adorable ball of fur.  I just had to have you.  From the first time you came home with me until the moment you passed you were always right by my side.  You were more than a "dog" to me, you were my son, my best friend.  Whenever I was upset or depressed, you were there by my side with those big eyes of yours looking up at me with a look like "it will be ok mommy, I love you."  You did love me, with all of your heart and I loved you to.  I don't know what I'm going to do without out.  Your brothers and sister are trying to take care of mommy for you, but they will never take of me the way you did.  You were my protector, the one who made sure I would never be hurt.  Now, that your gone, I am hurting a lot.  I know I have to go on and take care of your brothers, your sister and your father, and I will.  I will make sure everyone always remembers you and you are never forgotten.  I love you and miss you terribly Dusty.  

Love, Mommy