I wish I could say I chose you.  But it wasn't that way.  One day you were there on my doorstep.  Cute as you could be.  "Someone has to own you", I thought.  After putting up signs and going door to door through the neighborhood with no one claiming this adorable puppy, I knew you were mine.  Not ever having the experience of owning a dog before, this was truly an adventure for me.  You proved you were a loyal dog the second night you were with me.  You scared off burglers who were breaking into my car.  I thought "WOW" this tiny little puppy just took care of me!



You were so adorable and very cuddly.  You wimpered only a few times when left alone but quickly learned that momma always returned.  You were very playful and loved your first playtoy "Elephant" given to you by Nana.  You carried that plush toy everywhere and never once tore it even though you would toss it high into the air only to catch it.  



You were housebroken very quickly.  Then we tested the water teaching you some tricks.  Boy were you a quick learner!  After only one day you could sit, lay down, shake hands, speak, and roll over on command and play dead when I pretended to shoot you.  As the days went on we tried different things.  From your three barks which meant "I love you" to speaking softly to a loud bark all from me commanding speak lower or speak loud.  My favorite was your "Elvis" lip smile.  I know you knew I was a sucker for it because you always gave the the "Elvis lip" when you were in trouble.



Really it would be hard to say what was the best part about you would be.  There were so many good things about you.  From your puppy soft ears and coat to your loyalty of being beside me through sickness, heartaches, and even helping me through my grief of the loss of my dad.  You knew when you were needed and knew when to just stand guard.  You were my best friend and my "baby girl". 



Even though you were my dog, when I married and started having a family you grew to love them as well. You became the family dog. Carson and Colby miss their playmate and Dad misses the special greatings you gave when he came home after a long day of work.  Even Nana and Papa mourned your passing.  They too missed how excited you would get when they stopped by.  



I always said, "I don't know what I will do without you".  Well, here it is!  I feel empty and lost.  I hear you even though your not there.  I have called for you and you did not come.  I stare at the place where you slept on your bed. I glance at the entry window where you faithfully stood watch. I go to the back door to let you out to be reminded your no longer with me. I weep when I see the empty space where your food bowls were placed.  I truly know there will never be another faithful friend as you were to me.  Right now all I have are the fond memories you left etched in my heart.  I hold them close so not to forget My Buckles, My Baby Girl, My Best Friend.