Ever since we saw you as a little fluff of fur, so weak you couldn't stand, we loved you.  We washed off your fleas and cared for the cigarette burns on your little body, nursed you to health and turned you into part of the family.  It took two years of working with you to coax you into the water past your shoulders, but once you started to swim, you never stopped!  Never would you settle for a SMALL stick or branch, you had to try to drag the largest log or branch to shore.  I'll never forget the way that you would look back at me during walks, to make sure that I'm still close by and follow me from room to room at home.  You should have been an only dog so you could have had all of the attention, instead of sharing it with the silly little pug.  I remember you bouncing a ball outside the basement window of my in-laws, then after waking them up, you'd race to the door to see if they'd come out and play. You were in your element in the snow, digging it up with your nose and making snow dogs.  Most mornings consisted of you poking your nose on the bed and then trying to sneak in for a snuggle.  (Only worked with your Grammy visiting - she still thinks of waking up and finding you sound asleep on your back with your head on the pillow beside her - brat!)  I wish things had been better, but am glad that you had a life full of love and hope we brought you as much joy as you brought us.  You're forever in our hearts.