Ringo...

I got you as a Christmas gift... and you were MY first baby.  I couldn't imagine that you would've given me so many memories.  You were my big, hairy, baby - with eyes that everyone noticed.  You showed so much love... and showed that by licking everyone you met.  You went with me wherever I went... and when you couldn't go with me, you were so excited when I came home.  When I was sad, you were sad.  When I was happy, you waved your tail faster than mine would've waved (if I had one).  You always held the biggest piece of my heart.  Then, when you were 5, I knew you needed a brother... so we got Presley.  You weren't too sure of him - of course, because you now had someone to share your food with.  But, the unconditional love you'd always shown me, you now showed him.  He was now your other best friend.  You two became my "babes".  There wasn't a work day that went by, when I didn't look at the picture of you two, the picture of you two in my suitcase, on my desk.  I know that you two couldn't wait until I got home.  It was you, Ringo, that waited at the door first - for me to come in.  And, it was you, Ringo, who'd be the first to lick my leg until I had to tell you to stop.  I always made sure that you two had everything... food, water, toys, treats, shots, a good grooming, and most importantly - all the love I could give.  Then we took in the kitty - we named him Sushi.  Presley couldn't stand him... you Ringy, became his protector.  Like you always did, you loved him and protected him.  Anytime Presley went close to him, you snarled, at your own brother, you weren't sure what Pres was going to do.  You loved Sushi, like he'd been around forever... just like you did to everyone.  Ringo, I wanted you to be around forever...I tried everything to ensure that.  You were getting older... I had seen the signs at the vet's office 'To get your pet's teeth cleaned...as it can prevent disease down the road'.  And, Ringy, that is what I wanted to do - prolong my little baby's life.  Instead of the 10 kisses I normally gave you in the morning, that morning I'd given you 20. I couldn't wait to get off of work that evening.  I wanted to pick you up and go home and lay on the couch with you all night and watch tv.  I wanted to pet you and comfort you, while you lay, recuperating, next to me - from your day's dental work.  But, I had no idea that morning would be the last time I saw you.  The vet said you didn't experience pain, and I trust him.  I just trust that it was your time to go... but I will never know why you had to go so soon.  The autopsy showed you had a weak heart… we would have never known, as you were the most laid back, relaxed and loving dog I could’ve ever known.  You loved your walks, toys, playing, and, most importantly, me and your brothers.  I thought I was helping you, I thought I was giving us many more years together.  I was heartbroken when I got that call... you hadn't made it through the procedure.  Our house has never been the same.  It's been 3 weeks ago today, and Presley, Sushi and I have gotten this far.  I've since made a shadow box of and for you... with your collar in it... and I tell you 'night night' every night before we go to sleep.  My bed will never be the same without you, as my life will never be either.  I promised you, the day I saw you last, as my tears fell onto your handsome, lifeless,  little body, that I would never forget you.  I haven't yet... and I never will.  In all my life, I've never taken moments to look at clouds... but now, every cloud now that I look at... I know you're there, looking at me, with your new found wings.  You've always been my Ringy... and I never, ever, ever will forget you.

We love you and miss you so incredibly much... your mom, Presley and Sushi.