Dear Keltie,

I can't put into words how much I miss you. You were my first pet, and the 10 years I had you were the most wonderful. The last 2 months have been awful without you. I wish there was more I could have done. When I got the call that you most-likely wouldn't make it more than a week, I went in the bathroom and sobbed. I never guessed that I would never see you again. I simply went to bed. My mom woke me up the next morning, and said that you passed. I never got out of the car at your service, and I hope you forgive me. I don't know how much longer I can go without seeing your pretty little face. I hate Cancer, and always will. I hope you are happy up in Heaven. I can't wait to see you again.

Missing You,

Peyton

Dear Midnight,

I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you. For over 13 years I was blessed to have you to play with, to hug, to kiss and to love. I'll forever be thankful for your presence in my life. Your love filled my soul with peace!

January 17, 2001 - January 22, 2014

Love,

Dad

Dear Morning Glory,

I love you so much! I miss you very much right now. I wish that we could be together. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to be with you when you passed away but I hope you knew that I loved you very much. I miss you!

Love,

Melanie

Dear Rockie Rhodes,

This will be the first Christmas I have been without you in a decade. You came to me at time when I needed you the most. I was very ill with this rare pancreas birth defect and did not know how long I would live. So you came into my life and right away you became my friend, my protector, and my snuggle buddy. I honestly believe that you were one of the main reasons that I beat the odds and survived not only the whipple in 2004, but am still here today. I miss you so much, but I am glad you are no longer in any pain from the stomach cancer. I will see you again one day, I know this in my heart. Always remember I love you "My Rockie Rhodes"

Love,

Mom

Dear Phibie,

I had a feeling this morning when I left you, I wouldn't be coming home to see you sitting up waiting for me to walk in the door. I said my goodbyes to you every morning before I left for work and today was no different. The only thing I said different today to you was make sure you tell Nina that I love and miss her and I understand if you need to go to sleep sweet Angel. Last thing I remember this morning was petting the top of your head and feeling where my tears dropped on you. Those same tears were dropped on you as I wrapped you up in your blanket for the last time. I'm so thankful my Mama was here with you when you took your last breath. It broke my heart that I wasn't here with you when you left but so thankful you were not alone. Mom said if only I had been a minute earlier I would have seen you. You were still warm when I got to you.

I know you knew how much I loved you because I told you every single day starting with the day I brought you home. I remember Mom, Dad and Uncle Brant telling me " You don't need to get a dog your first year in College and having a dog is a big responsibility". Well, going to the shelter on Aug 15th 1999 and spending $40 on your adoption fee was one of the best decisions I've ever made. You stole my heart that day and you will forever remain there. You put a bright light in my life for 14 wonderful years. You picked a beautiful day to leave this world. The sun was out and not a cloud in the sky. Guess that was your way of telling me goodbye and still letting your light shine on me.

Phibie, there will not be a single day that goes by that you won't cross my mind. I'll probably never get over you but that's ok because nothing will ever take your place. Ty is sitting with me as I type wiping my tears. He knows I'm upset and I have him to help me get through this just like You and Ty both helped me when Nina passed. You will always be my first true love Phibie. I know you and sweet Nina are together again running and playing. Run Phibie Run!!! The Cancer took your leg and that awful infection took your life but nothing will take our memories. You will forever live in our hearts sweet Angel! Until we meet again Sweet Girl. Good Night and We Love You!

Love,

Mama, Daddy & Ty

Dear Chelsea,

I miss you so very much. It snowed this week, "Chelsea snow". It's my first winter without you. The snow used to make me happy because I knew how much you'd enjoy it. Pushing your face deep in to the snow and then pulling your head out, you'd always have a tiny pile of snow on the tip of your nose. Then you'd throw yourself in to the snow and lay on your back, wiggling back and forth to make snow angels. I hated the winter until you came in to my life. When I saw how much you loved the snow I began to love winter, because I began to see it through your eyes. Your happiness brought me so much joy.

Some people don't understand why the Chelsea-sized hole in my heart isn't knitting together. I don't know if it ever will. I know that hole was the price of admission for having you in my life and even though my heart is breaking, it's a price I'd pay again and again. Thank you sweet angel, for showing me the world through your eyes. I love you, I'll love you forever.

Love,

Kim aka "mummy"

Dear Mochi,

You came into my life

unexpectedly, thirteen years ago,

you were just a little girl

about nine months old.

It’s hard to believe

someone had abandoned you.

Well, now I was the lucky one,

to have you in my home.

You were very smart, obedient,

fun and so playful.

You were cute as a button,

with the most beautiful soulful eyes.

You were friendly, funny and always so happy,

but best of all, you were mine.

You filled my life with joy and happiness,

my days with hope and purpose.

You filled our home with warmth and comfort,

my heart with love and peace.

You made me laugh when I least expected it

and when I needed it most.

You helped me through some tough times,

making it all good.

Before too long you were my best friend and my world.

We walked for hundreds of miles together,

your little paws explored the streets of Rodeo, Melrose, Santa Monica, Laguna, and many more.

We even took the ferry to the island of Balboa,

I think you especially enjoyed walking

our home town of Aliso Viejo.

You accompanied me to the carwash

and errands around town.

You loved to go bye-bye,

be it cold or summer heat,

you were always ready

to jump right into your car seat.

On Friday nights we were at the Spectrum

checking out the shops,

somehow you always found your way

directly to the pet shop.

Everyday you waited by the window

until my car turned the corner,

I could see you jump and run to greet me

happily at the door.

We closed our eyes at night

and you woke up by my side,

you were my little sunshine

making everything alright.

Every Christmas morning

you found your gifts tucked under the tree,

you quickly unwrapped them

and went back to look for more.

I’m still puzzled how you didn’t touch

anyone else’s, just the ones for you.

I still think you were amazing

at how much you knew.

Forever I will remember

the road trips we took together

to Aspen, Sedona, Utah,

Grand Canyon, and more.

The weekend trips to Big Bear,

Arrowhead, LA and Del Coronado.

Our camping in the woods

and hikes in the mountains,

driving up the coast and

through the rolling hills.

Everything was better

when you were by my side.

Most of all I’ll treasure our yearly trips to Carmel,

it was just the two of us, we were never alone,

it was our home away from home.

We spent the days walking about,

and saying hello to every pup in town.

I know your favorite treat was running free

for hours on the beaches of Carmel.

You didn’t know it,

but that was my special treat too,

I smiled and laughed for hours

just watching you.

But lately it’s only been trips to the vet,

they said your heart will get larger

and breathing will be tough.

I gave you all your pills,

oh this is getting rough,

to see your health declining

and your appetite grow less,

all the while your tail is wagging

to camouflage your pain.

You didn’t like to be held too long,

you preferred to stand on your own,

but on our last day together

you curled up in my arms.

For hours I held you close

as your head rested on my heart.

You knew that’s what I needed

to comfort the ache in my heart

and to quiet my weeping

as the tears poured out in fear.

Thank you, my precious Mochi,

for comforting my life until the painful end.

You gave me your everything

until your eyes closed to rest.

My heart is aching now,

the house is empty

and doesn’t feel like home.

My days are long and lacking,

my life is lost and lonely.

Now I stand alone without balance,

reflecting, and yearning for more.

My tears keep flowing,

oh, this is when I need you most.

Forever I will treasure you,

my little piece of heaven.

You are now a little angel

resting in my heart.

I love you my little Momo,

and forever I will miss you.

Missing You,

Mama (Maria)

Dear Ruby,

Hi Ruby, it's grandma. I sure do miss you. I am so glad I was able to be there with you in your last moments with us. It was so difficult looking in to your sweet little face as your pain was taken away for that I am grateful. My pain in dealing with you no longer being with us seems on going, 10 1/2 yrs went by way too fast. Your mommy gave me your toy bone, the one with the butterfly on it, I pick it up often and hold it to my heart, but you already know that don't you! I look at the pictures of you from when you first came to your mommy and our family and each year you look so different and even more beautiful. You had quite the talent for the camera, posing for every shot just like your mommy used to do! You were her little Diva. I didn't know until recently that you saved her from loneliness when she first moved away from home, thank you Ruby for taking such good care of Tracey, you loved each other so much. I know you are with her everyday! Do you remember how you let grandma give you a bath and then to dry off you would go back and forth along the pillows on the bed and then and sit in front of the hair dryer but just for a few seconds, then it was back to the pillows! And oh how you hated to be brushed!!! Even biting if you thought it hurt or was going to hurt! I also remember that Mother's Day you were staying with us when I woke to your yelping...oh how I remember that cry only to find out that you and Dapper Dan, the cat, ran into each other around a corner and you got clawed...we rushed you to the emergency vet and thankfully it was only near your eye. Yes, you had a lot of trauma in your little life. You were the runt of the litter of papillons but you always acted like the biggest dog in the world! I miss you. You and Gabby were so cute chasing each other around the house, Gabby would hide and slap you as you ran by but never did she have her claws out, you were true friends. I miss your kisses and can remember the last ones. I find myself tearing up when I pass the dog toy aisle in the stores. I have the last toy I bought for you, I didn't get to see you open it. You loved to open presents and you thought they should all be yours! Did I say "Diva"! I'm sorry we were apart for a while but I talked to you and I know you heard me send my love. Say hi to my grandma, I miss her, I know she will love you too! And grandpa Clarke too! You are romping with Prancer, Dapper, Jazz and so many more. Always in our hearts you will be. Your little "BIG" heart just gave out even though your mommy worked so hard to keep you healthy, so many times on oxygen. She did it with such love for you. You were so smart Ruby! Thank for taking care of her. I am so glad you spent a few happy weeks at your mommy's and daddy's new home, for you put your footprint there just for them, you are there, grandpa even saw you...shhhh! You brought so much joy to my life and many others. You are spinning in heaven now and watching over your mommy. Your signs are everywhere to prove it! Did I mention how smart you are! You were so brave little girl, I'm so glad that you went to heaven in your own home with your loved ones there, I'll never forget your last sweet breath. No pain left for you, only fun, spinning, gifts, kisses, romping, and being a Diva and the love you gave and received is what you have now in heaven. Grandma will always love you. I hope the pain of your loss will ease soon and I only remember the fun of having you in our lives! God Bless you Ruby and Thank You for watching over your mommy. Grandma loves her little Ruby girl and your mommy too! Fly little butterfly, your spirit is here with us. P.S. Grandpa and so many others loved you too! Xoxo

Love,

Grandma

Dear Koda,

It's been two and a half years sense you passed and you are not forgotten. I think about you all the time. I adopted a Yellow Lab named Maggie and I'm sure you would approve of her. She is not the laid back easy going dog that you were but I love her for who she is. When you left you took a huge piece of my heart with you. You were not only a dog, you were my companion and my family and I loved you with all of my heart. Still do. Saying good bye was the hardest thing that I have ever done. I hope you are now at peace and pain free, running and playing in that place where we go when our time here is over. I don't know how it works but I do hope that we will get the chance to be together again someday.

Please know that I love you dearly, you meant the world to me and you will never be forgotten. Maybe you can help guide Maggie in the right direction, she doesn't always make the best of choices but she has a good heart and I do love her. Thank you for the 13 wonderful years that we shared, you are a very special girl. I love and miss you always.

Love,

Mom

Dear Joy ,

I can't believe only a day has passed since you left us. I woke up in the middle of the night listening to see if I would hear for your little paws to wake me letting me know you were up. I came home from work hoping that I would hear your squeal excited to see me come home. Im sitting hear in my bed wishing that were sleeping right by my side and I feel so alone. I know your in better place now, but this place feels so empty without you. I still remember the first time I saw you when you were 8 months old scared and confused wondering why you were in this new home, but the moment that me and your sister held you 2 little girls refusing to let you go, that you would be with us forever. You grew up with us, through thick and thin, watching us grow from young girls into young adults. Through the best of times and the worst, you always new how to be the light that always shined in our hearts. And although you may have passed, your love and spirit will live on within us forever. We will see you again soon.

My love, my Joy, my angel.

Love,

Stephanie