In Memorium

Dear King,

It has taken me some time to put down into words how I feel. The simple truth is that I miss you terribly. I miss you so much it physically hurts.

Doug (Daddy) misses you so much also, King. You know you were "his boy" and it's terrible for him. It's so sad when he comes home and you aren't there waiting with your nose pressed to the crack of the door to play. Chance, your brother, misses you too. He can't stand to be alone in the kennel anymore. We've been leaving him loose in the house when we are gone and he seems to being doing ok with that.

I wish we had seen that cat hiding under the bush. I wish we could have anticipated it running into the road. I wish the car hadn't been going to fast. I wish he would have seen you before it was too late. I wish we would have brought you in from the kennel earlier or later, just not that moment. I wish we could have changed everything about that night. I still remember every detail. It will be burned into my mind forever.

You were such a good companion, protector, and friend. You always made sure I was safe when I was home alone even though it sometimes annoyed me how you growled at every little noise, I know you were just trying to protect me. I miss the way you used to cuddle your head up in my lap when I would sit to watch tv and knit. I miss the way you were always happy to see us, even if you had done something bad and knew you would get in trouble. I miss watching you and your brother play, jumping and dancing all over each other. I'm glad we were able to provide you with such a loving home. I still remember the first day we met you at the shelter. You were so docile and playful and we knew immediately we had to bring you home.

We buried you under the dogwood tree in the backyard. We did that so you would always be a part of what you loved. You could get into your share of trouble, certainly. We loved you for it, even if it didn't seem like it at the time. Our life would have been so boring if you weren't there to fill it up. The house seems so empty now without your personality to fill it up. You brought such life and energy to every day, things seem dull without you. You and Chance were the first members of our family. We made a home together. You could diffuse an argument by being playful and making us laugh. You were there to comfort us when tragedies happened all around us. You kept us warm when we couldn't afford the heat. You were there through the good and the bad, King.

You were such an important part of lives and you will be missed terribly for the rest of our lives. Not a moment goes by that I don't think of you and miss you. I wish I could change what happened to you, but I wouldn't trade the five years I was blessed to know you for anything.

King, I will always think of you and I will always love you.

Love,

Karen (Mommy)