by Jaime Urban
I had Buttons since the third grade and I am 21 years old now. I still remember my mom picking me up from school and seeing her carrying my Buttons. Buttons is a sheltie and brought me everday joy from the time I got him on Jan 11, 1986 till his death on Dec 12, 1998. I never had many friends in school growing up. I was always teased and made fun of. We moved a lot so I didn't have a chance to make friends well. I always had Buttons to come home to. He was always there to play with me when others wouldn't. He truly was my best friend! He never judged me or put me down and always knew when I was in pain or sad. Buttons became ill in Oct of 97. He was diagnosed with pancreatitis. I gave him medications and put him on a special diet. Buttons was up and down all this past year. I always called the vet with every sneeze or cough that he had. Me and my vet formed a special bond with our love and care for Buttons. I brought Buttons in on Friday Dec 11th to a groomer to have him groomed to have his picture taken with Santa the next day. The next day would never come. I picked him up from the groomer and Buttons couldnt stand. I brought him home and called the vet. He advised me to bring Buttons in. I dreaded it because I knew deep down that he wouldnt be coming back. I rushed him up to the vets office which was about 20 minutes away. Buttons started vomitting. My heart was sinking in my chest. The vet looked at Buttons and shook her head. She decided that she would stay with him there overnight to watch his condition. She called me around 8:30 pm that night to give me an update. Not good of course. I kept the faith overnight and was sick myself over this. The next morning came and I got the phone call that would change my life. I was told that Buttons along with his liver condition also had a heart condition. Both the problems couldnt be treated together. The only other decision I had to make was to put Buttons to sleep. I agreed over the phone because I didn't want him to suffer anymore. I drove to the vet and saw Buttons lying there hooked up to iv's and breathing so fast. He looked at me with his big brown eyes as if to say please let me go. I did make that decision. I stayed there with him holding him to the end. I'm glad I did. I wanted Buttons to know that I was there with him till the end no matter what. I loved him more than life itself. It is very difficult coping everday without him. But I know deep down that Buttons is still living just not the way we think he is. He is happy and healthy living beyond The Rainbow Bridge. This is my tribute to him. Buttons, if your listening I will always love you forever. You taught me to love unconditional something that a lot of people should learn how to love. I will never forget you and the happy times that we shared together.