Missy was a unexpected gift to us on Christmas of 1996.  My wife had wanted a dog ever since we had gotten married but I never had one growing up and didn't want one.  Well, she won and Missy entered our life.  She was a rambuctious, playful, very loving shih tzu/poodle mix.  When we first got her home she couldn't sleep at night by herself so Pamela just had to bring her into our bed and there she remained for the next almost 8 years.  She always greeted us so exuberantely when we came home from anywhere, even after being gone for only 5 minutes, and just had to constantly be around us as the center of our attention.  The years spent with Missy were full of love and companionship.  Missy started to get sick Sunday June 20th, 2004 but we didn't really think anything was wrong.  Monday June 21st, she got progressively worse and we rushed her to the vet after we had gone out for a little bit and came back and found her lying by the front door.  Before the doctor could even start any medications or fluids she was gone from this earth.  I never imagined the loss of a dog could hurt so much.  Today was the first day I came home from work and she wasn't there to greet me with loud barking and whining to be picked up to be cuddled.  The house is so quiet now that it hurts.  I miss you Missy and will always remember you in my heart.