Eighteen years ago we saw you for the first time. With your over-sized ears, you were not the prettiest dog there-but we loved you. Sitting quietly in your cage; you fooled us. You barked all the way home and spun through the car like a whirling dervish-but we loved you. You had the habit of chewing our shoes, eating our pens and barking at fire hydrants-but we loved you.  When Ryan was born, you had to share us.  You did so willingly and we loved you both.  When Brendan was born, you had to make room for another child. You did so gladly and we loved all three of you.  After fourteen years, we brought home Smores, the cat, and true to your character, you accepted her and we loved all four of you.  For eighteen years you were an ally and devoted friend, always kind, always willing to accept what was.  We miss you now and wish you were still here.  Thank-you Doc for teaching us so much about how to love.