She never met a person she didn't like and showered them with her happy attitude and attention. Everyone who met her was made to feel special in her company. She was 4 1/2 years old when we brought her home and we only had her with us 4 years, but she brought joy to so many.

I noticed her losing weight and acting a little listless. The vet examined her and did a blood workup. He referred us to a specialist to confirm and treat her for inflammatory bowel disease. They did a biopsy on her intestines and confirmed this. We were told we could control this with diet and drugs but could not cure it. Every 7 to 10 days she had to go for blood work while adjusting her many medications. The steroid that she was taking had to be at a low dose. Even the vet said how good and patient she was through all of the painful and uncomfortable testing. Also, special prescription dog food - nothing with any fat to upset her stomach. She gained the weight back and looked like she felt better at last.

Months later I noticed swelling around her throat and neck. Her salivary glands had ruptured. They removed one and soon after that another one did the same thing. They removed that and soon the other side ruptured - three operations in a row. Each time she went to the vet, she still was so good and let them do what was needed to help her. She looked good but needed to drink a lot of water. I just wanted her to have a break from health problems and be her sweet, happy self. She would run to the "cookie" dog biscuit box when anyone came in, do a little dance and expect a cookie. She always got one. I would sing "You Are My Special Angel" to her and rub her bloated and bruised tummy gently - she would always smile and relax for awhile. She never lost her sweet, gentle ways.

One next morning she wouldn't eat. The vet said her spleen was enlarged and her liver was shutting down. The steroids had done their damage. Saturday morning the vet came to the house. I knew she could not smile and love much longer. She passed fast and didn't suffer. Much too fast for me and everyone who had ever met her. There is another beautiful "ANGEL" crossing the rainbow bridge to watch over me. She will never leave my heart.