Rat was born right here at our house on December 5, 1994. Her mother was the next door neighbor's cocker spaniel, Maggie, but Maggie liked being at our house so she came here to have her puppies. She had 5 puppies, 2 short haired cream colored, 3 long haired grey puppies. Rat had the short hair and was always the most outgoing of the group. We ended up keeping her and finding homes for the rest. Humble was the best way to describe Rat. Always giving, never asking for anything but to let her lay her head on your lap or sit just as close as she could to you. She loved my husband very much, always with him when he was in the yard. At night, she'd snuggle up to him if I stayed up a little later then hop up when I came to bed...like she didn't want to intrude...then come back in the bed during the night. We live a way off the road but we knew she went up there with our other dog Nute, who's 16. We should have stopped them but we live in the country and the road isn't well traveled. We were outside in the yard yesterday when she was hit. We know we should have done something different...should have scolded them for going out there. Rat was so timid and meek, a scolding from Mitchell would tear her to pieces. She's gone now and our hearts are breaking. My husband sobbed tonight when we went to bed. Everything we do now, everywhere we go, Rat is there in our thoughts and in our hearts. She would not want us to be sad, though, only happy. She brought such joy in our lives and will be missed for a very long time. Never take your pet for granted...in an instant they can be taken from you. We hope to see her one day at Rainbow Bridge.