by Stacey Oellinger.........................................
She was a barker, territorial and fiercely loyal: A true Schnauzer. When she liked you she would be your best friend (whether you liked it or not). She was a mommy's girl and when it was time to go to bed, she would go into the bedroom and sit by the bed so mom could pick her up and tuck her in for the night. Stacey writes: In 2004, my dear Rebecca was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Without chemotherapy the deadly cancer would give her just three to nine months to live. She survived 20 months, much to the doctor's amazement. I constantly found myself in awe of her determination and tenacity to survive. During the last week of her life she suffered congestive heart failure and could not rebound. I promised Rebecca that as long as she had the will to fight, I would provide the ammunition. In the end the choice was hers; she passed on with the same dignity she enjoyed during life. She passed away at home, in my arms, surrounded by those who loved her most. As she passed we looked intensely into each other's eyes. I was blessed to have this wonderful creature in my life for 10 years.