Tonight, March 22, 2007, I said goodbye to a wonderful little friend. I knew her time was near. Daisy, who was born on November 23, 1989, was suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. She also had kidney and urine retention problems, plus cataracts and various other lumps and bumps common to very elderly dogs. She had six operations during her lifetime and came through all of them with flying colors. The most recent was last fall, when he was 16. No problems at all.

We had lots of fun together. Daisy was a well travelled dog, having come initially from Illinois to the Netherlands, which will be her final resting place. Daisy also lived for a half year in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. In total, she crossed the ocean six times.

Daisy was very special to me and I will miss her forever. I know that she is healthy and happy where she is, playing with her old pals Dixie and Bear. Bear was our Bouvier, who passed on in 1997. He was a fabulous dog, and I wish I could have him all over again.

I still have three other dogs, two of whom are also senior citizens. Tanja, a Belgian Malinois, who will be 10 in July and Loupe', a longhaired Shepherd, who will be 12 on Christmas Day. Gizmo, a miniature Keeshond, is just two. They all said their goodbyes to Daisy in their own special way.

Daisy will be home soon in a beautiful urn. The body wears out, but the soul remains young.