Wow Lady, the effect you had on the entire family, even me, is beyond anything I could have imagined.  So many pets are a mere push over to please their owners, but you had a personality that was affectionate and playful one minute, followed by stubborn/I am in control the next.  You were the perfect "lap dog" (even though you were too big) for the family, and yet I always knew you were protecting them when I was gone.  I can still see you romping around in the snow and dodging waves at the beach.  You were the perfect fit for our family.......a once in a lifetime kind of pet.  Thank you for being a loving part of our family, and especially for showing me that it was possible to love a dog again.  You are already missed more than I can put into words.......always in our memories.