Close to Christmas in 1989 my mom can home,carrying a small bundle of joy.He was a maltese,white like the snow with a beautiful,soft coat. We named him Monroe(his official name was 'Heather's Monroe').

We all loved him so much,and any of our friends,family or even strangers instantly feel in love with his adorable face and charming moods.He was gentle,never harming a soul.

when i was 7,a short time after we got him,i became sick with pancreatitis,and was in and out of hospitals for the next couple years,but everytime i can home his undeniably cute face was there to welcome me.

Through the years our love for him grew stronger,and i know the feeling was mutual.He couldnt stand being by himself-he would start howling and barking if we went outside at all. And he LOVED to like people faces.I really think licks are dogs kisses.

When  i was 18 i started living with my boyfriend,and my mom and Monroe became even closer.She cared for him everyday,always giving him his favorite food-'Caesar.'mixed in with his dry food.Her,along with ken,her husband (my stepfather),let him out faithfully whenever he needed.She always brought him to the vet for shots,or any problems he had. She was a good mom to him--and to me.

Monroes health started deteriorating when i was about 19 or 20.We found out he had an enlarged heart and needed special care,blood work regularly,and medication. We always new he had a big heart.

For being 14 now though Monroe was still filled with the same spirit as when i first layed eyes on him that fateful day in '89. We went through a lot together,Monroe being there for each and every hurtle,and somehow cheering us up along the way.

Through this we cared extra special for him and loving him more and more. He had a way of lifting everyones spirit,especially when they were down. When my father died in June of 2003,Monroe became very expressive,jumping and rolling around on the floor, licking my legs and arms when i cried.He really knew something just wasnt right,and tried his very best to comfort us-usually in the form of wet doggie kisses.

Last week he started having seisures,he only had 2 but we were terrified.mom brought him to the doctor and he told her to journal anymore of his seisures. nothing happened until thursday morning,at 5 am.my mom woke up to him throwing up and having diarreah,she rushed him  to the animal hospital.where friday he actually seemed better. But i got that dreaded call saturday morning. My mom said Monroe isnt doing well,and we have to put him down because it just isnt fair to him anymore. I agreed and meeted her at the animal hospital. Saying goodbye was so difficult.. but that cute little expressive face was filled with pain now,and we could tell he was just giving up.

We brought him home and buried him in our yard,bought some beautiful flowers, and a marble memorial which states "our beloved pet".Today has been a rough day.

Life now without Monroe is different. I feel like ive lost a bestfriend and brother. Mom feels like shes lost a son. He was so much a part of our family. The once joyful house is now full of silence. There is no more pitter-patter of his feet,no chain rattling when he walked. no more howling or barking when we leave.