When I graduated from college in 2002, Scott bought me a dog; Maggie. Although I love Maggie with all my heart, she made it very clear that she favored her father.

In November of that same year, Scott and I made the decision to get another dog. One of Scott's friends had recently had a litter of purebred Boxer puppies and we had our sights set on one of the little girls. While waiting for the puppies to be weened, I entertained myself by riding my bike to the local humane society to visit the lost and abandoned dogs.

It was during one of these trips that I found a cage full of pitt bull puppies. Each one of them was cute but one in particular caught my eye; a little brindle with the saddest eyes I had ever seen. I played with her for awhile and upon placing her back in the cage, I overheard another couple talking about how excited they were to get their "Pit" so they could train them to be a fighter.
I immediately went to the front desk at the shelter, told them what I had heard and told them that I would take the puppy that I had been playing with. I road home quickly and explained to Scott what had happened and told him that I did not want to buy a dog (the boxer), I wanted to rescue a dog. If we had had more space, I would have tried to take them all! That is when Lilo came into our lifes.

As a puppy Lilo had a lot of spirit. We quickly found out that she was an outstanding swimmer, snuggler, and lover. Unlike Maggie, she made it obvious that she loved her momma best and was always at my side. When I was gone and she was not kenneled, she often sat by the door, staring, waiting for me to return. I would hate to say I had a favorite given we later added Sally and Penny to our family but I can hardly deny that Lilo was my baby, my favorite.

As a couple of you know, 2007 was a very challenging year for Lilo and us. We found out she had Irritable Bowel Syndrome after she refused to eat for nearly three weeks. Then a few months later, she got a fungal infection under her nail which nearly made her bite the nail off. Lucky for us, we were able to tackle these problems head on and hoped that 2008 was going to be a better year for the whole family.

Last Tuesday, Lilo suffered a seizure. After visiting the vet, we felt confident that it was a one time thing and that she would get better. Later that night, I found her in her cage scratching non-stop at her neck. After several trips to the vet and a canine dermatologist, we realized we had a very ill dog on our hands. It is unknown whether her seizure was caused by neurological damage or if the neurological damage was caused by the seizure, either way, Lilo was in a lot of pain and was deteriorating fast.

This afternoon, a little after 4p, Lilo, my best friend, was euthanized.

I have never felt pain or anguish quite like this before. To hold her head and listen to her last breathe and feel her last heart beat is something I won't soon forget. I have no way of describing to you the helplessness I felt with not being able to take her home with me and protect her like I know she trusted me to do. The only thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that she is in a much better, healthier place. All of her wounds are healed, her hair is back, and she can once again walk. I can see her running in the fields and swimming in the ocean all day. She gets to eat what she wants now and finally can get a full nights rest.

The reason I write you all of this is not so you feel sorry for me or my family. Mostly it is because I want each of you to cherish the time you have with your loved ones. Rather than be lazy after a long day of work, walk your dogs, play with your kids, or call your family. I would give anything to have been able to take Lilo to the park, beach, or on a walk one more time.
Lessons Lilo taught me:

ï‚© No matter how car sick you get, going to the park or beach is worth it every time.

ï‚© Even if your sisters bite you in the ear or face, forgive them at night and snuggle.

ï‚© The best way to show someone you love them is to smash your body against them, lick them in the face, and then roll over for a belly rub.

ï‚© Spoon every chance that you get.

ï‚© If you try really hard, one day you will catch that dang lizard.

I love you Lilo and miss you deeply!

Love your Momma, Tia