Mavis and I found each other in late February-early March of 1993. I saw an ad for a free dog in the Modesto Bee, our local newspaper, and for some reason-I felt compelled to call. When I arrived, I met with the lady and told her a bit about myself and why I wanted to get a pet. She asked me if I would agree to keep in contact with her so she could check to see how things were going. After giving her all my info; I walked out back and saw a dog house with a small dog inside. Slowly, a short little blond cocker mix stepped out. I fell in love with this little girl that very minute. She was so gentle and sweet....I scooped my puppy up and took her home. That was 12 years ago. I named my little puppy "Mavis" -- don't ask how or where I got that name...she just looked like a Mavis. She was my savior when my first marriage broke up. Always there to give me kisses and nudge me with her sweet little head. She slept with me from day 1--although I had to sneak her into bed back then because my first husband didn't understand how anyone could be so attached to a dog or any animal. His mom must not have gave him very many hugs as a child...or he was just a cold heartless jerk.... That attitude toward Mavis and my feelings showed me his true colors and is the main reason why he's my EX. Mavis and I did much better with my current hubby...Victor. He and his kids love Mavis as much as I do. For the last five years Mavis and I have not had to worry about sneaking her into bed with me. Victor has no problems with that. He knows how special she is. ---------------------- Mavis and I also aquired 2 more pups for her to grow up with a doxie named "Tailgate" & a doxie/terrier cross named "Quetto the Mosquito". She taught them the ropes....like when it's time for me (aka Momma) to come for lunch and when I come home at the end of the day, how to purfume themselves by rolling on their backs in the 'carpet fresh' as soon as I put it on the floor, how to give the saddest eyes in the world when I leave for work and when they want some of my dinner, where the best place to hide is when I need to give them a bath, and how to be loving and kind like she has been these past 12 years. And don't think just because she was a senior citizen that she couldn't rumble with the best of them. If she thought I was hurt, she'd bark at whoever was near me. If she thought one of the other pups were getting too rough, she would put them in her place. She hated her toenails getting cut and getting a hair cut... but she let me do it anyway. Even when she was mad at me, she would grab my hand with her mouth--but only 'play bite' me. I loved--no I love her so much... after a miscarriage 14 years ago, I have not been able to have kids--Mavis was my kid....I still can't believe my baby girl is gone. But I know in my heart that she is still with me. She and I had a very special bond that can't be broken....I love my other babies, too--but Mavis was one of a kind. I miss her so much and I know with time, I will adjust but I'll never ever forget her.