We remember your fuzzy, puppy body, smelling of dog chow and whatever you'd been into that day.

We remember the soft feel of your coat as you snuggled up to us, as happy as we were that you were part of our family.

We remember the constant supply of socks or underwear, or whatever you could grab from the laundry, in order to properly meet us at the door.

We remember the way you talked and smiled. Who knew a dog could do this?

We remember when you finally learned to walk off the leash.

We remember you clearing the horse jumps with YOUR girl, better than the horses ever could!

We remember you running the track chasing rabbits with YOUR boy. (What you planned to do with them had you ever caught them was as much a mystery to you as it was to the rabbits. Snuggle them into submission maybe.)

We remember how you warmed our feet, content to just sit and listen to our stupid human problems and failures.

We NEED you to know ...we stayed during your last moments here with us. We were there showing you that track, asking if you saw the rabbits and reassuring you we'd catch up soon enough. Please tell me you heard...

We need you to know that Beau misses you, and is wandering around like a lost soul.

Please don't think us selfish for keeping you a little longer than you wanted to stick around, Ted. We loved you so.