For the past 2 years and 3 months Misty brought me nothing but happiness. We were truly a great match-she went everywhere with me. The neighborhood knew her as well as she was frequently given treats, hugs and pats on our daily stroll. She stole the heart of many. I adored her and looked so forward to seeing her wagging tail and smile when I came home.

On May 23rd she refused to eat and what got my attention more-she did not wag her tail. This began a week of daily blood work, high-dose prednisone, Immuran to slow down her immune system from what her veterinarian described as "autoimmune-mediated thrombocytopenia" as well as fluid management. I had her hospitalized in the Vet Critical Care Unit. She seemed to be taking a turn for the better over Memorial Day weekend, then drastically worsen May 30th. She began to re-bleed internally on 3 1 May, the day I had to let her go.

My loss of her has been painful. She was my first dog and it is only now I truly understand the 'void" people experience with the loss of their pet. The evenings and weekends are the hardest-her presence is missed greatly. I had Misty cremated, so her ashes can be buried with me. Till that day, when we are reunited, her remains are beside her favorite chair.