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I loved you from the first time I laid eyes on your beautiful, whiskery face, and saw those oh-so intelligent eyes looking back.  You were a wild, beautiful girl, barely done with being a pup.  The lady running the shelter kept you weeks past the day you were supposed to be destroyed, because she saw that special spark in you as well.  The only name you had was Impound Number 217, and you came bounding into the room, front paws on my legs, licking my chin and face before bellying up.  I knew then you were coming home with me, and I suspect you did, too.  

You never quite stopped being a wild child in some ways, and you were work.  But you were incredibly smart, and wanted to please.  Which you did.  When we walked, people would stop their cars to see you, and remark how exceptionally beautiful you were.  I swear you would glance over your shoulder at me when they did, as if to make sure I caught the compliment.  Thousands of times, that happened.  I loved walking you.  Working with you and teaching you, and learning from you.  It was time that I cherished with you, just the two of us.

You were far from perfect, appearances notwithstanding.  But I loved you so much.  And I know you loved me.  Life was more fun with you.  For all the challenges you presented, you were a great joy to me.  Brushing you, walking you, spending time with you.  Speaking silly half-German to you and knowing you understood.  One of my fondest life memories was when you were still but a young girl, as we bounded across the field in snow deeper than your chin.  You were having the time of your life, and so was I.  I will see you in my mind's eye forever, porpoising through the drifts, panting and smiling, covered in snow.    

I will miss you terribly.  There is a great hole in my heart for you.   Know that we loved you, even Jackass Cat.  And I loved you more than I could ever tell you.  I do believe somehow you knew that.  And that is why I could not let you suffer.  You deserved better.   

What you deserved most was a chance.  I am eternally grateful that I was able to give it to you.  Nine years-plus of a wonderful, big personality that enriched our lives in so many ways, some of which we will only note as your absence is felt.   I will cry tears for you ten years from now, because I will miss you and miss your love even then.  You were a very special girl for me, a once in a lifetime gift. 

Goodbye, my love.  And thank you.   When it is my time to step into the clearing, it would please me beyond words to see you, with your beautiful face and your wagging tail, bounding over to greet me.  Then, I will know it is heaven.