Nala was diagnosed with cancer on June 12 and passed one month later on July 11, 2009.  The cancer had spread through out her body and I decided not to make her last days be filled with surgeries & chemotherapy.  Instead we brought her home and gave her steroids to keep her comforable...she perked up and we had 4 amazing weeks with her....to spoil her with anything she wanted, to cook her favorite foods for her, to hand feed her crushed ice when it was hot, to lay with her and snuggle on the floor, to massage her and brush her and pamper her, and to say all the things you want to say to someone you love.  



Nala: my best friend, my walking partner, my little shadow, my love.  She was adopted from the Humane Society of So. Az and came to live with us.  We don't know all her history as a puppy but know she was abused and neglected and I felt it was my purpose to be sure she had a good life and knew she was valued and loved as a member of our family.  She LOVED our cat Kiki, who was the matriarch of the household!  Kiki finally accepted her and defined their boundries and they grew to love each other dearly.  Nala also loved my son Justin, who was very attached to Kiki, and we all formed a great little family.  Nala was a snuggle dog...always had her paw or head or tongue on me...she followed me from room to room. She liked to stay inside & watch or listen to "Animal Planet" when I went to work in the morning, loved to go for rides in the truck, long "walk & talks" together.  She was always sweet and kind to everyone she met, a very gentle dog.  But she was big and had a big bark, so a great watch dog too.  I always felt safe with Nala sleeping next to my bed @ night.   She loved her Kong balls with peanut butter and treats inside.  She loved her belly rubbed and just to hear our voices when we spoke to her.  She knew some sign language (sit, stay, ball, etc.)  She knew when the pizza delivery man was coming even before he drove up to the house - she would sit and wait at the door with her ears perked up!  She was there for me through many losses the past few years, and I will forever be grateful for her devotion and friendship.