Our Sweet Abby...

This past week, we had to unexpectedly put our dog Abby of nearly 12 years to sleep. Making this decision was not an easy one, but one that we felt was for the best and relieved Abby of her suffering. She truly was the best dog ever. Our life will not be the same without her in it, and our house and hearts feel empty. It is true.... golden retrievers are "family dogs" and she most definitely was a part of our family.

Abby was obedient in every sense of the word. She would never enter the pool until she was given permission. Never. She would wait patiently to see if there might be a little treat for her when dinner was over. Her favorite food was pizza. She loved to go on walks. We walked countless miles and you could not even think of putting on your tennis shoes without the thought of a walk coming into her mind. She loved to swim and enjoyed our backyard pool. She loved to roll her ball or "babies" off the rock of the pool, and then wait to "rescue" them. She was always at the back door when we would come home waiting to let us know how much she missed us. She loved car rides, especially when they included a trip to the bank or to sonic where she would often be rewarded with a bone by the tellers or a tater tot from the car hops. She loved to join us for family prayer each night, and had her special spot to kneel right in between Mary and Ray. If you sat down to pet her, instantly, her paw would be in your lap, a sign of friendship. She was a friend to all of us.

It is often said that a dog is man's best friend. One of our best friends was Abby. Thank you Abby, for loving us unconditionally, and allowing us to enjoy life as we know it. You will be missed in our home. Dogs may come and dogs may go, but Abby will forever be in our hearts.