Even though I know you can't read or by me reading this to you, you don't know what the words mean, I feel the need to say all of these things to you.

You are our first dog and real pet, Rudy. When you came to our house, you were a little puppy only 8 weeks old. Your sissy, Kimberly, was only 4. You were supposed to be a Christmas present to her, but we couldn't keep you a secret. We went to a pet shop and picked you out. She wanted to name you Rudolph, but we decided on Rudy.

Your first year with us was fun, but a big adjustment. You were a puppy, very tiny AND feisty. You liked to chew just about everything and you even got mad and snapped at us occasionally. For this reason, you almost didn't stay with us. But, Sissy had come to love you so much and so did we, so we knew we couldn't give you away.

Things got better and we all adjusted to having you as a member of our family and that is truly what you have been these past 16 years- - a member of the family. You've been through so much with us and we have so many fond memories of you.

Your Sissy, when she was younger, and you were too, used to talk for you in what we called her "Rudy" voice. She was very funny doing it and it always made us laugh because she used to make you say funny things. One time she made a card for Papa on Father's Day from you. You said how you know you get Papa mad and he puts you in your coop and into the bathroom you go when we are having our dinner because you liked to beg at the table. But, no matter what, you were very forgiving when anyone got mad at you for your rambunctious behavior. And, that's because that's what dogs do. They forgive their owners for anything no matter what. And, you certainly did, Ruds.

You were a loving, loyal, fun, curious, sometimes loud and annoying, but always cute, and like Sissy would say, handsome dog.

When your other sister, Emmie, arrived, you were very worried I think. You seemed sad and anxious. I did all I could to make you know that your place with us was not in jeopardy because Emma was now a member of our family. Her personality is very different from yours and you seemed to almost take a back seat to her at times. But, I want you to know that never ever did we think of not keeping you because she came into our lives.

Eventually, you came to accept her and you both fought, played, ate, went for walks, went to the vet, stayed together at the kennel, went for haircuts together and slept together. I think she became your buddy and you definitely have been hers (even though she feels the need to put you in your place now and then).

As I said, Rudy, we have so many memories of you. Anything going on in our lives--birthdays, holidays, special events for your Sissy-- mainly anything having to do with your Sissy, you were there for her. You are in every first day of school picture, every Christmas morning picture, every violin concert picture, birthdays, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Graduation, just about anything we can think of, you are there. Sissy even won a contest because of you. She dressed you up like a little movie star dog and titled it "Suddenly you turn around and my dog is a movie star." We'll always have that picture of you, too!

Now, my Rudy Bear, you, like the rest of us, have grown old and we must say good-bye. And, even though I know you have aged and are not the same as you were when you were younger, this is still very, very difficult. I can't bear to see you living your life the way you have had to these past few months. You seem confused most of the time, you don't play anymore, you can't follow us up the steps or go down steps to go outside to your yard, you started not being able to see like you used to and began falling down steps. You can't even go for walks anymore. I guess, Rudy, what I'm trying to say is you don't seem happy anymore.

As Dr. Sperling asked us, "When was the last time Rudy smiled?" And, really Rudy, I can't remember. So, I'm telling you, my dear boy, that it is okay for you to leave us. Yes, we will miss you dearly. And, yes, we are going to cry and cry and cry for you. But, we will all know you will be in a better place and I'm sure, happier. I will picture you with the twinkle in your eyes and the curiosity you always had. Not with the cloudy eyes and circling around the way you have been lately. I will remember you as the happy boy you always were before old age crept up on you (and us).

We love you, Mr. Boods, and will never, never, ever forget you. We will all miss you immensely. Little Emma, I know, is going to be lost without you. You've been a great, loyal and loving dog to us. And, of course, we know you will be in doggie heaven and we hope to see you again.

Bye, Rudy. Thanks for 16 great years and thanks for making Sissy's 16 years more memorable for her with you, her little brother. We love you buddy, and will never forget you.

Love Mama, Papa, Sissy and Emma