Dear Pugsli,

The house is so quiet without you in it. You died on October 12, 2005 at 7:25 p.m. in the comfort of your home. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but the one I knew you needed me to make for you. I was able to say good bye to you, and hold you as you passed. You seemed to know what was going to happen, and in your way you told me it was okay. I sat on the floor crying, and you found your eyesight again, enough to come over and see me. It had been so long since you had licked my face, and at that moment you seemed to know I needed a Pugsli kiss. You stared at me, as if you could see me again, and I knew you were telling me it was okay. That day was the best day. You looked good again, and it seemed as if you were ready to go.

You left me with such great memories, to many to count. You were loyal, had a great personality, and loved to eat anything you could find. I was blessed to have you in my life for 81/2 years.

You came into my life in the Spring of 1997. A 7 month old fawn pug from Washington State. You flew to Anchorage Alaska, making this great voyage all alone. You had these spindly little legs, a curly tail, flat face, and eyes that went in opposite directions. It was love at first sight. Some people didn’t see the attraction, but I only saw the cutest puppy ever. You loved to be carried like a baby on your back, and that

was fine by me. After all you were my first kid.

Your name was going to be Ducati (after the Italian motorcycle). But when a friend called you Pugsli, it just seemed like a perfect fit. From that moment on you did the name justice with your funny and sometimes peculiar behavior.

You were notorious for eating everything you could find. This not only meant scraps of food, but neon orange ear plugs as well. Let’s just say you had the most decorative poop on the block. You also had a thing for Chinese food. Like the time you ate 2 whole meals (Mongolian beef, pork fried rice, and sweet/sour pork), all by yourself. I remember we got so angry, and put you in the garage (after all they were mom and dads). When we finally let you up hours later, you ran right to the water bowl and drank water nonstop for at least 30 minutes!! You had your fair share of chocolate when you would find raisinets, or reases peanut butter cups. I made numerous phone calls to the vet regarding your eating habits. You always managed to be okay.

For being a Pug you sure loved the snow. I bought those bright yellow and black snow booties, with the rubber grippers that first winter. You would run so fast in circles around the yard. You would then run up to me and grin, with your tongue hanging out. You always looked so insanely happy during those days.

We did have our scary moments though also. The time you ate the Advil, and we spent hours that night at the pet emergency clinic. All I remember is driving blood samples to the nearest hospital, and how cute you looked with your little catheter.

The scariest time was when you got swept away in the river. Dad knew not to throw you in (Pugs are not very good swimmers). In an instant you were gone. I remember running through the woods with Duke in my arms, screaming for you. What seemed like a mile later, I found you. Tangled up in branches on the other side of the river. Not stopping to think, I dove in to save you. Not realizing how deep it actually was. I didn’t give up though, even when I was thrown against the log, and pushed under water. Finally I managed to get to you, pull you out, and bring you to safety. I never have and never will let Dad forget about that. You and I had a very special bond after that. I knew that I would save your life if I could, and you knew I would always protect you.

I think the biggest change to our lives was when Bryce was born. Suddenly the new baby got all the attention, but it didn’t seem to bother you. You immediately became Uncle Pugsli, and watched over Bryce day and night. I remember you sitting next to his cradle, and being the first one to get to his room when he started to cry. You always watched how people handled him, almost making sure that they knew what they were doing. You knew to protect him, and that is just what you did. Then Zayne was born, and once again you assumed the role of guardian. You watched over the boys so well, for that I will always be thankful.

You were my friend for almost 9 years. The memories that I have of you, will help me get through losing you. It’s the day to day routine that will be hard to get over.

When the doorbell rings, or someone comes in the house when I am home, there is no barking to warn me. There is no Pug dog hair clinging to all my clothes. I don’t need to fill your water bowl, or prepare your food (although the bowls still sit out). There will be no more walks around the block. You will not be able to run through the fresh fallen snow this year (I will do it for you). You won’t be here to sneeze on me, or pass gas when we have company. You won’t follow me from room to room. You won’t sit directly in front of me when I am washing dishes. There will be no Pug dog smell.

I catch myself getting ready to ask you to go outside. But you aren’t here to go out. I find myself listening for your snoring, but there are none to be heard. I expect to look down and see you at my feet, but the floor is empty. The reality that you are gone, is hard to bare. Those moments are the worse.

You are now in a better place. You can see again. You can run again. You can play, and jump and do all the things you loved to do. You can eat all your favorite foods, and get up and down stairs by yourself. You are once again going to be the dog you were meant to be. I know that you will look down on us, and make sure we are all safe. You took such good care of us while you were here, please don’t stop.

Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for blessing me and my life. Thank you for choosing me to spend your life with. I will never forget you, or the things that brought so much joy to my life. You were the best dog that anyone could hope for. I wish I could have done more for you, since you did so much for me. This family was touched by your love and friendship, and your memory will always be with us. I love you Pugsli, you are in my heart everyday.

Love
Mom

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