Today is May 14, 2009, the saddest day of my life. This morning at 9am at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital, my beloved Freckles Monty was put to sleep. He is now a resident of the Rainbow Bridge. The story of Freckles began in August 2007 after the loss of my Golden Lab, Woodie, who is also a resident of the Rainbow Bridge. Freckles was in a shelter in Danville, PA for one month and then transported to PA Shelter in Philadelphia. He was one year old, a beautiful White and Brown Shepherd/Husky mix with such a gentle disposition, or so I thought. When I brought Freckes home he was so incredibly aggressive, I was beyond myself with grief. I took him to the vet who prescribed Prozac and told me he was definitely a badly abused dog. I could hardly touch him or look at him for several months. But as I gave him more and more love and gentleness, he slowly began to love me back and we developed a sense of trust. I had a personal trainer for him which didn't help with the behavioral issues, so, in desperation, I called the University Of PA Behavioral Clinic. What a wonderful and compassionate group of people! I hired a pet transporation driver since I do not drive much and we would go for our sessions and I would learn behavior techniques. But Freckles had his times, when, for no apparent reason, he would become aggressive and bite me severely. I could not let go, I loved him so! The therapists and doctors all said something was triggering in his brain, but with Prozac, some dogs just don't get better. So, under the advice of the vets, family and friends, I had to let go. I had to return Freckles to God just as God had given Freckles to me. It is so devastating, so heartbreaking. I loved him at first glance and I will always love him. God knows my heart and He knows Freckles heart. He did not mean to hurt me, there was just something deep down inside of him, as the vet said, he was a "broken" dog. So today is the day that Freckles crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and I truly believe, as the poem says, we will see each other again and embrace with hugs and kisses in the green and grassy fields of Heaven, where there is no pain, no suffering, no grief and no tears. Freckles has been donated to medical research, as was my request. I have his embossed paw print and a lock of his hair. Please pray for Freckles and please pray for me.