As a friend and neighbor, I submit this. Ernie was, at first, the watchdog as I began to care for his twin brothers, Alex and Josh. He had to dodge them to "save his life" from their quick turns and dives. As he grew older and more tired over the last several months, he began to trust me and soon began to offer me support. When the boys would eventually settle down after a long day at school, they would get comfy and watch a cool cartoon- Word Power or Clifford seemed to be the ones that captured their attention. Ernie would make his way over to me and just lay at my feet and look up at me, as if to say, "they are a handful but they are so worth it." I so believe that he would feel just that way even though sometimes his little eyes would pop right out of their sockets when one would push him across the room or roll over onto his tail. After all, all Ernie wanted was for his mom to be happy and he was sure that Alex and Josh did just that- 

Ernie, thanks for being my friend. I heard the tales of your feisty spirit "back in the day". I hope you know how much it meant to me that you allowed me to care for your boys and tolerated me in your home until Mom came home from work. Few cats have purred louder, my friend, and I know few have held such a special place in your momma's heart!!

If you get lost one day and find yourself around a bunch of dogs, remember the names "Nero", "Felix" and "Ruby". They'll hook you up-,.... if that's what you want, of course.