There are not enough words that can truly express how I feel about all the wonderful Associates at Veterinary Specialists. They all cared for and loved my little Roxie girl. Special thanks go out to Dr. Cheryl Harris, to "Aunt" Dena, Ali, Donna, Catrina, Christie, Erika, Kelly and their whole team of wonderful professionals. From the very first trip, they treated Roxie like a real person; she was their patient, not a dog, Roxie mattered to each and every one of them. The girls all talked to her, but Ali would call her Roxie Roo and Roxie somehow knew that was a special pet name and wagged her tail. When she had a new outfit on or one of her hats, they would take pictures of her. Dr. Harris said Roxie had a bigger wardrobe than she did. A couple of weeks before Halloween Roxie put on her black witch hat and we went to our appointment with a bucket of candy. It turns out we had brought her Aunt Dena's favorite, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. They took a picture of Roxie with her black witch hat that day, this was the last picture taken of her. I have the picture and will treasure it always.

We spent quite a bit of time with the girls at Veterinary Specialist during the course of a year. As soon as we walked into the office, Roxie would go directly to the scale and patiently wait for her weight to register. Then we would go and sit and wait for a room. She would sit very patiently in a chair until it was her turn. Sometimes as soon as she saw the girls come into the examination room, she would walk the other way and try to climb on my shoulder. Whoever was taking her blood would apologize to Roxie when they couldn't get it on the first try. They all said Roxie was really good about the needles and she didn't seem to mind. Deep down I know that Roxie knew that all the poking was to help her get better. The very first time Roxie's temperature shot up to 105, Donna said to bring her in and they would squeeze her in. We hadn't been there two minutes and Ali took her temperature and immediately brought in ice packs and wet towels to bring her temperature down and applied alcohol on her paws. A couple of weeks later, Aunt Dena took care of Roxie on her last visit and we all felt she was doing better, it seemed that she was back to her feisty self again. Three days later I called Dena to let her know that Roxie had passed away. We were both tearing as we spoke and we comforted each other. I am forever grateful to Dena, and to all of them. They gave my baby another year, that's more than anyone else could have given her. And even if a year seems like a long time, it is not. The year went by so fast and every minute was precious and will be cherished forever.

Roxie was very special and if it were not for her, I would not have had the other dogs. But, as I have learned, the other dogs, who are all boys, and they are just not as affectionate as Roxie. After crying for three days, I couldn't stand it anymore and I went to the pet store with the intention of ordering another dog with the same Schnauzer/Chihuahua mix as Roxie. They didn't know of any breeders that had that combination. I was looking at the list of available dogs and spotted a Papihuahua, which is a Papillion/Chihuahua mix. She was not out with the rest of the dogs, she was in the back, and so I asked if I could see her. The minute I saw her, my heart melted. As soon as I took her, she started kissing me, just exactly like Roxie. She is just as affectionate as Roxie was. That was it; this was my new baby. I immediately took her to be checked out by Dr. Ali. I asked them if they knew when I could take Roxie home, they said she had just come back. I took both my little girls home the same day, as if it was meant to be. I named the new little one Lady. Lady is the sweetest ever, quiet, calm and very loving. I still miss Roxie terribly and no one will ever be like her or replace her, but I needed Lady, Lady is helping me to heal.

I took Lady to see all the girls at Veterinary Specialist. I wanted them to see her and because it is rare that they get to see a healthy pet, especially a puppy, they were all so very happy to see us. Lady gave everyone lots of kisses. We went back to visit them again a week later, this time I had framed my favorite pictures of Roxie with a special poem for them. The girls had only seen Roxie when she was sick and these showed Roxie in her prime and looking good! When Roxie's scrapbook is completed, I will take it by to share with them too. They all say that Lady and I can visit them at any time; they are like family.

I read an article that had some suggestions on how to remember your beloved pets. I had actually either completed or started everything they listed. It was hold a memorial service; my friend Jenny and I participated in the Candlelight Ceremony on Rainbows Bridge. I ordered a special urn to place her ashes, which I keep in my bedroom with all her pictures, hats and her collar. The wood urn is carved with her name and date of birth and passing and a poem that reads, "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again." I have a huge plant for a living memorial, compliments of friends, and in the spring I will plant a new rose bush in her honor. I made a very special scrapbook to honor her life, with lots and lots of pictures, many of which depict special moments and the most wonderful memories. I wrote down my feelings about Roxie to let others know about her life and what made her so special. I also wrote a story about Roxie and her Daddy because she sure changed his life. But most of all, give all that love you have to another. I honor Roxie and her memory by having the courage to give another a home where they too can be treated like royalty, be spoiled rotten and with a wardrobe to boot, but always with lots and lots of love! Believe me, you will be rewarded many times over. Take a chance!