You came into our life as a puppy in July of 1996, the sweetest little gal ever. You constantly amused us with your antics, getting stuck head first in a bucket of water trying to swim, stealing paper towels to chew, playing soccer with the boys, climbing up and jumping on the trampoline, eating mulberries off the tree, stealing the boys' Halloween candy.

You moved with us out to Maine, and loved it out here. You'd slide down the hill in the winter (and roll down it in the summer), went to the bank, and grocery store, and every other place that had treats for you. You loved your car rides, often climbing through the open window and lying in the car until someone took you for a ride. You loved to swim with me, and to trot over to the convenience store looking for a treat. You loved to spend your allowance at yard sales on a new stuffed animal, just so you could rip the stuffing out. Or maybe on a doggie dish at the ice cream stand instead.

As you aged, your ability to get up and down the stairs was hampered by the arthritic knees and ankles, but you could still run down those same steps when I came home with a treat for you. And how you loved to sit on the steps and watch the cars, hoping someone would pull into the drive and come visit you.

Your end came so suddenly, and far too soon. Sweet puppy, you will never be forgotten, and I will see you whole and healthy again when we meet at the Rainbow Bridge along with Lady, Buddy, Duke, Duchess and all the other dogs that have been in my life.