When you were a puppy and we were "potty" training, we would be out every few hours and I would sit with you on the couch for a little while before putting you back in your crate. You would be nestled on my shoulder with your head in my neck and I just loved listening to your little breathing..we did that all through your life. It was always one of my favorite times with you. I so...miss you breathing in my ear.

I even miss the crazy things you did . . . like when I was sorting the laundry, you would always go after the socks or how I would always have to make sure you didn't get the tissues out of the garbage in the bathroom and how sometimes you would pull the toilet tissue from the roll, or eat our receipts...sometimes you could be a little barky, but we always said, you were just vocal and fit right into this family.

You were always so good when the granddaughters were here...running after you or trying to pick you up, you knew I would save you and make them leave you alone...but you never had a mean bone in your body, they could take the food out of your bowl and you would just let them do it. We had a lot of fun with our training sessions...you loved learning new things and you were so smart! Not to mention "food" motivated! You were so easy to bathe, and groom, clip your nails, give you your frontline or heartguard, you loved getting your teeth brushed the best.....you even learned to "turn over," so that I could brush the other side.

I still have your bowls stacked on the microwave, I love smelling your scent on your sweater, and if I can brave it, I look at your video on my phone. I used to tell you, all excited, that I would be done with work for the summer and that I didn't have to leave in the morning anymore and we could spend more time together, just hanging out, me reading, you sleeping on me. It's going to be a hard summer this year, Pearly, without you around. I am still grieving and I am not sure when I will be able to have a day that is not saddened by you not being in it. I feel like the "joy" has been sucked right out of my life. But, I am just trying to take one day at a time, however, long it takes me. So be it. You were with us for over a "decade" and when you look at it that way...that is not something you just get over so easily. I knew you would not be able to be with us forever, and I know that we did the right thing for you, Pearly. We set you free, because we loved you so much... but it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I guess we never realized what a brave little girl you really were..that wagging tail and smiling face fooled us for sure.

We would always say that we wanted to be you, Pearl, because you had the best life here with us, didn't you? We "rescued" you that day in 2000, and we loved every minute of every day with you and I know you loved being with us. We literally were devoted to each other!

You will be in my heart forever...I love you, Pearly girl.