It's been so hard. I'm actually able to write this sooner than I thought I would be.

Dolly was my first dog. I got her when I was 6 years old. She went through elementary school with me, then junior high, then high school, and now college. We put her down just a month shy of her 16th birthday. Every day that's gone by I wonder if putting her down was the right decision. But I know in my heart that it was. I saved her all of the pain and confusion that was soon to come, just like she'd so often done for me when I was growing up. And even though I can't write or talk or think about her without all these tears, I still remember all of the good times we've shared.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone here who has helped me so much with her. She was the perfect dog and I was able to give her the perfect life because of you. Whether it was on here or on Facebook, you all know who you are. I couldn't have done it without you. I thank you so much for the both of us.

We had her cremated and will get her ashes soon. Our family BBQ will be on Memorial day. We'll spread her ashes in the garden then. That way she'll be with us at our party just like she always was.

I love you so much Dolly. My life seems so empty without you. You were my once in a lifetime dog. I'll see you over the Rainbow Bridge.

Gosh I'm sorry Katie. It's hard to lose any dog, let alone one that has been with you for so long. At least memories can stay.

Sorry Katie, it's so hard to lose those childhood dogs even as adults.

Katie, what a wonderful life you have given Dolly, and in turn you got a dearly beloved companion, by your side for all those wonderful years.
I am so very sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Rest in peace Dolly girl.

What a beautiful photo and tribute Katie. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Such a beautiful picture of her, Katie... so peaceful.
Wishing you strength, but I know that time is the only way to dull this kind of pain. You gave her a fabulous, long life, and when the time was right, you helped her move on in the most humane way - I'm sure she'll continue to watch over you from wherever she is, your companion always.

~Natalya

Katie,

I am sorry for your loss. Let the tears flow... they are our memorial to our best friends, and they are worth each and every one of them.

You gave her a good long life. She taught you about dogs, and that knowledge will be applied to each and every dog you have for the rest of your life. She made you a better owner and trainer. That will be her legacy.

With dogs, there are no small lessons, and sometimes the lesson they teach us is loss. You will see your Dolly again, and she will be the crazy, pain free pup you remember from days gone by.

Hugs,

Kelly and the Pack

What a wonderful, long, love-filled life you were able to share together. RIP Dolly. Sorry for your loss Katie, but Dolly thanks you for allowing her to have her 'dignity' at the end & sparing her the pain.

Sorry Katie. Thats a nice story of the two of you growing up together.

I am sorry for your loss My thoughts are with you.