My first mix-lab, brought to my house as a pup back when my 23 year old son was just 4....filling my heart with joy for being so smart, lovable and petite.

Years went by and she always greeted me at the door waiting to take for a walk in the woods, as she would disappear from site to come running back to me every time I whistled....no matter what the weather was hot, cold, rain or snow she just wanted that from me....

As she got older she started having seizures, progressively getting worse and at 15 years I couldn't bear to see her have those attacks, so one day I got a call from my ex and said that she now could barely recognize her and was just wandering in the living room...please come home she said....

I knew what had to be done and wanted to get home quickly but at the same time I was driving slow.

I will spare you the rest, all I can say is that she fell asleep in my arms as I held her at the Vets and that now as I type away here I'm thinking of you Duchie and my eyes are filling with tears.....you know I still carry your collar in my daily planner and think that one day we will see each other again.

You never think you can love an animal so much.....but you do.

Beautiful story of how you loved her so much. So sorry for your loss and I think it's a great way to remember her by carrying her collar.

What a sweet memorial. I can relate to your carrying the collar in your planner. I have Joshua's and Kodi's dog tags attached to my hat - they go everywhere I do: skiing, hiking, whatever. Thanks for sharing your love of Dutchess with us!
-John

After I got home last night , this thread was on my mind and I had to find a picture of my little old girl....here she is as I allways remember her...
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=2efb56bf-2bfb-7608-25f0-3be2229c7a59&size=

What a wonderful tribute to your girl. I find it very sweet that you carry her collar around!