It was Valentine's Day,1987,and I was sleeping in that Saturday morning when all of a sudden I was awoken by the smell of "puppy breath" so close to my face that I opened my eyes,only to see you staring at me as if to say "O.K., I'm here so you can get the heck out of bed now"! I was shocked!I hadn't heard my husband leave that morning,on his way to the Animal Shelter with plans of getting me a puppy that he knew I wanted so badly!So,here you are,licking my face non-stop and your name came to me in a flash,it just couldn't be anything else!Lolli,short for Lolli-pop (which I felt like with all that licking!)Well,your Dad thought that I had picked a ridiculous name of course,but years later,we couldn't imagine ever calling you anything else! Such a beautiful dog you grew to be,inside and out.A German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd cross,you looked like a miniature German Shepherd,but softer,and daintier build.You were always such a loyal and gentle friend.I always felt like you would fight off a pack of wolves to protect us,you always made me feel safe and loved. Well fifteen years of love and devotion passed,way,way to fast and you were being diagnosed with Kidney Disease.I did everything that I possibly could to help you and make you more comfortable from cooking natural foods at home to giving you all the love that I could possibly pack into the short time that I knew I only had left,to thank-you for all the wonderful years of friendship. You welcomed the birth of our son Kody,who misses you so much,we changed homes quite a few times but you were always patient with wherever our paths were taking us.I'm just so glad you were with us to share the journey. Iknew on your last day with us,that I had to quit thinking about myself and how much I would miss you,and do the humane thing.It was time for your pain and suffering to end.I couldn't bear looking at you from accross the room and find you staring at me as if to say,"please Mom,now.Don't let me keep living in pain". My husband and I bundled you up in your favourite blanket,and we let you walk as far as you could,and then carried you the rest of the way to the vet,who was expecting us.It all happened so fast....but I will never forget the look on your face,before your last breath,you looked right up into my eyes as if to say"Thank-you Mom" and I then watched the life fade away from them into a peaceful sleep that you had been craving for months now.I will never forget those gentle cinnamon brown eyes,and I miss you so much that it hurts,it hurts so much.I remember all kinds of little things about you,like your scent,the shape of your head when I would pat it....and sometimes I will close my eyes,and think of petting you and it 's like you are almost there,like I can really feel your prescence......I can hardly wait till we are together again,just us girls!Ilove you Lolli.