Happy Father's Day, Papa!
We miss you so much, that our Mommy helped us write you this most special letter since you are not here to celebrate Father's Day with us. We all love you, but you were special to each of us in different ways.

Mommy found a special gift you left for us -- three cooked beef bones -- in the refrigerator. As we write this on 6/14/09, we still chew on those bones. Mommy tried to make some new ones for us, but they just weren't the same.

We know you are watching over us & are with us always. As you once wrote in a card to Mommy from Sasha, we'll all be together again someday.

Love you,

Kate, Max & Lacey

Daddy,

I remember the day you chose me to come home with you. You & Mom were still sad about losing Sasha. On a Sunday, you told Mom that there was an ad in the paper for Lhasa Apso puppies in Reynoldsburg. You told Mom you had been looking in the paper for about 6 months and had never seen any ads for Lhasas.

So you & Mom came out; only I and one of my brothers were still available. Brian had told Mom that I was the less rowdy of the two; apparently no one told me that because all I did was antagonize my brother in front of you guys. Mom had her reservations, but I became a Credico that day. I have two champions in my lineage, and so you decided maybe later on you would let me have puppies. You named me after Sasha (Sasha's Legacy, nickname Lacey) which is such an honor.

I remember little Hayley being in the car that day. After that, all I can remember is that you took me everywhere with you; even to the grocery store. You would put me in one of the little hand carts & only share me with certain people. We got busted a couple times at Kroger!

I also remember those early days, when we would take naps in the back yard. You let me chew on your hats (which later on became very fashionable) & one time, during our nap, I stole your cell phone and chewed on the antennae. You had no clue where the phone was; Mommy found it out in the lawn, back by the pine trees. Sorry if I made you worry!

As I got to be a little older, Hayley was getting older, too. I was a little crazier than Hayley and Kiwi, so you brought me a new sister (Katie). I'm sorry for all the fights we got in, but sisters sometimes do fight. I guess maybe I was a little jealous to have to share your love. But I know now that you had enough love in your heart to cover a thousand kids.

Thank you for putting up the fence to keep us safe; I know the many times we ran off, you were scarred to death.

As I grew, I enjoyed our afternoon naps, and the special dinner you would make for us, with hamburger, rice & veggies. I especially loved the ice chips you would give me.

The ladies at Dr. Pat's office remember one day when you called them after you had me neutered; you were worried that I might be in pain & you told them, "Lacey can't tell us if she is in pain". They all thought you were so sweet to be so worried about me. You always said that I was a perfect Lhasa Apso -- you even found the classic crook in my tail.

I hope I always made you proud; I am proud to be your baby. You spent more time with me than anyone when I was little & I will always cherish your time, love, and affection.

Hugs and Kisses,

Lacey Face

Dear Daddy,

You are the biggest hero I will ever know! You were worried that Lacey needed a playmate; little Hayley was a little older & you thought that Lacey was maybe too much for her to handle. So, one day you saw an ad for me in the paper. My first family couldn't keep me -- they did not know that the place where they lived would charge them to keep me. They wanted $600 for me & my cage; you spoke to them & told them that was a little more than you & Mommy could afford. A few days later, you spoke again & agreed on $300 (you saved me from going to the pound -- that was their only other option!)

Mommy didn't know that you got me -- I was her surprise when she came home from work one day. She felt so bad for me -- all they dropped me off with was a leash and a collar (no blanket, no toys, no food...) You & Mommy got me groomed, neutered, fixed the problems with my eyes, bought me my first baby blanket (it has teddy bears on it) and treated my ear infection. I had my "forever" home, with lots of love, toys, siblings, and a nice yard. Plus you let me sleep with you!

You once said that, "Robynne doesn't know it yet, but Kate is going to be her girl". I think it took a minute, but I know that Mommy loves my whole-heartedly & no matter what Lacey & Max think, I am her special girl. She named me "Katrina's Little Wave" because when I was a puppy, I used to kick water out of my bowl. (I have matured a lot since then). Uncle Randy told me how special I am -- that made me feel good!

Mom had lots of nick names for me & you always compared me to someone famous named Kate (Kate Hudson, Kate Hepburn -- you & mommy could never decide who I was more alike). Special K is my other nickname -- just like the cereal; Katie Cakes was Mom's idea -- she said I look like cinnamon-spice cake.

What I love about you is that you were never away from us for very long -- when you were home, it was like having our own personal puppy chef! The special dinners, beef bones, and trips you made nightly to Meijer to pick up deli meats will never be forgotten. Our special times together, sharing soda pop, are my favorite! (Orange Crush, Root Beer, & Strawberry Crush will always be my favorite flavors). Please tell Mommy that I do not like diet soda!

You saved my life, and gave me the best home in the world. Thanks for fencing in the yard to keep us safe; I am sorry for all the times Lacey & I got into fights. And for the times I thought it would be funny to run away from you. I love you so much & miss you so much that it hurts. I'd give anything to gently kiss your nose or snuggle tightly next to you again.

Hugs and Kisses,

Katie

What's up, daddy? I remember the day Mommy found me; she almost hit me on her way into work. She thought I was a bunny -- then realized that I might be lost, so she followed me around the corner, opened up the Jeep door, and I hopped right in! It was damp out that day, but Mommy said I looked like I had just been groomed and had a really nice collar on, but no love tag...

You & Mommy drove around the neighborhood, trying to find my family. But no luck. Mommy went out of town for work, and the day you picked her up at the airport, you said, "I can't find his owner. He's such a good little guy; he doesn't eat much & doesn't take up much room. Can we keep him?" (I was in the car, being your navigator & standing on the console). Mommy couldn't say no, so you went & got me my love tag. Mommy called me Max because everything I do is to the max!!! I had my "forever" home.

A couple of months later, you & I were at Mommy's work & the lady who I had lived with before you found me was in the office. She said she had been trying to find a home for me for a friend of hers; I had escaped one morning, and she didn't bother to go looking for me. She said my name was Gizmo -- thank goodness you didn't change my name back! Those days are long gone; the lady said she kept me in a little carrier in the basement of her apartment. I am so loving & spunky -- you couldn't understand how I could have had that type of life.

You took me everywhere. My favorite thing to do with you was to go for rides in the car. I also loved sitting on top of your chair & licking your forehead. I remember one time, you got really jealous when I did the same thing to Mommy!

Thanks for putting up the fence; even though I messed up a couple of times & squeezed under it, you were right there to pick me up in the Jeep. (Sorry about all those times I ran off). Thanks also for the little bandanas; Mommy calls me her little Gaucho.

I miss you more than you can imagine; I know you're watching over us from heaven. You're the best daddy ever.

Love & Kisses,

Mighty Max