My Dearest Zoey,

Once you were here with me and so full of life. You loved everyone and they you. It's hard to believe it has been a year, the time has both flown and dragged.

You were such a happy girl, I loved you so. My life felt complete with you in it.
I never could resist those eyes, that face, that terrier spirit, all so dear and the memories so clear.

I remember the day I first saw you, I don't think I'll ever forget. Calling the ad the kennel had and saying hold her I'll be right there.
I had no clue what a westie puppy looked like, all I knew was that I couldn't have left you that day.
You were hard to resist, you were so quiet and calm. I knew you wanted to be with us. It took just one look and then to hold you and I couldn't let go.
Little did I kow that it would be more like I was yours instead of you were mine.

Zoey, you captured our hearts, both Dad's and mine. You came to us in a
year that was difficult and sad, as we had lost our mother and wife in
May. You brought such joy to our hearts and our home. It was great
to see such spirit and love given so freely.
I asked mom up in heaven to send us a puppy and she did send you right
after my birthday a few months after her passing.

You loved to do everything, especially car rides no matter the length. I oved taking you anywhere I went anytime.. You enjoyed life so much in that short time.

The times you came to school were all so dear. The kids loved you so.
They all wanted to be near you and you them. They loved those times and I know you did too.

You did well in obedience classes to and thought you owned PetSmart.
You had to let everyone there know when you arrived. It may have been
a bark or a little gift left in the aisle.
I'll never tell. I knew in classes you would do well, but I was most proud when you received your AKC Canine Good Citizen before you were
1.

The times you kept watch over me, esp. when I had knee surgery 2 years ago.
You protected me and stayed by my side. You were so precious to me.

I'll never forget one year ago when I walked in the door and you weren't there to greet me. It wasn't easy for Dad to tell me, but we got through it together.
He buried you before I got home with such loving care. It hurt him so that day to see you and he spared me that pain. The only time I remember him crying like that was the day mom died in May 2 years before. He loved you as much as I did and he cired as hard.

I know you enjoyed your last few hours, running in the woods and around the neighborhood. No one expexcted that outcome although I feared a day like that might come.
I just didn't expect it so soon.
You heard the school bus come down the road just as you were ready to
come in and you had to see the children. Somehow you found your energy and ran to the road, you never knew what hit you and I am glad you didn't suffer. I couldn't have stood it if you had. I never wanted you to suffer any pain or hurt for any length of time. I copuldn't have taken that.

It was hard to come homem after work in the days that follwed. The house was so silent it was unbearable. No more scratching at the door to be heard was the hardest part, or the face in the front window never to be seen again.

You are at the Rainbow Bridge now and I am sure its official greeter.
You have greeted so many friends from this club. I know you are with mom too, I am sure she saw in you what we did here on earth and wanted you there. I know you love her as much as we do.

Thank you for guiding us to Kelsey.
I can't imagine life without her in it. You wouldn't let us be without
that westie spirit for long. I asked you to help me with that decision and it was Kelsey that won out. I thank you for that and love you even more.

I'll always love you and have a special place in my heart for you.
Not a day goes by without a thought of you. I llove Kelsey so much and
am glad she is in my life.

Thank you for sharing your short life with us, thanks you for being a special part of mine.

One day we will meet again and I'll look forward to that reunion then. Keep an eye on us here and those who are dear to us there.
Continue to be my wonderful, loving angel wherever you are.
I love you and miss you my sweet Zoey.

All my love, Mary