Rusty, Mamie, Negrita, Sugar, Sam

Sugar (left) 2-17-2000 @5:45pm ^Baer still with us
Rusty (right) 6-10-99 RIP
You have been my teacher, my friend and most beloved companion. I was
like your child, totally dependent on you for all my needs. But I never grew up or moved
away as children do, I just grew to love and need you more each day, each month, each
year.
I never went hungry because you fed me dinner and gave me water everyday. When the weather
was bad I found comfort in the warmth and safety of your house. I delighted you by
learning tricks, but what you may not have realized is that I loved learning from you
because I lived to please you.
The touch of your hand stroking my fur made my life worthwhile. Although I barked at
noises in the night, the postman's footsteps, and the ringing of the doorbell, the voice
of my master was the one sound that I cherished most.
Your moods became my moods. When you were sad or lonely, I nuzzled closer to comfort you.
There were times you were upset with me because I soiled the carpet, chewed on a piece of
furniture, or barked too much. But do not feel bad about those times when you scolded me -
I needed to learn right from wrong and I always understood when things weren't going your
way or when you had an unpleasant day at work.
There is no need for you to harbor guilt or remorse on my behalf. You loved me and blessed
me with more happiness than most animals will ever know. Instead of wondering what you
could have done differently, remember the funny things I did and the happy times we had
together.
Though it is hard for you to understand, I was ready to pass on from this life. Our time
together was short, but if we'd had fifty years together, you still would not have been
ready for me to leave. So please, master, share your life with others. Do not refuse the
opportunity to give another lucky pet the love you have given me. No animal will ever take
my place in your heart, but there is another one who needs you and who will grow to love
you as much as I did. I am now at peace and no longer feel pain. You gave me a wonderful
home and a happy existence on this earth.
So please be happy - go on with your life and give your love to others. Although I no
longer share your world, I will always live in your heart, and you in mine.
"Samson" Josef Christoph von Alley Born
2/7/1988 Died 1/3/2001
Mamie 12-10-99