Memorial to

The sweetest and smartest dog in the whole world died this morning February 2, 2003 at 6 am. She started coughing off and on about four or five days ago like she had something in her throat or chest. Her behavior wasn't necessarily alarming but at her age you always wonder. We took special notice of her behavior. Yesterday afternoon, Saturday, February 1st she started breathing rather strangely and by late in the evening she looked like she may have a real problem and it was getting more serious by the hour. Up until the very end she still could jump up on the sofa with apparent ease. We looked on her at 5 am and knew we would have to take her to the vet but wondered if that would do any good. I laid back down thinking of who to call on a Sunday to get help and Bert stayed in the family room. At 6 am he came in to tell me Tinker died. Tinker brought so much happiness to everyone around her and had the best personality that was irresistible. She had the most beautiful eyes and long eyelashes of any dog I've ever seen. Tinker was aware of everything and was right there ready to walk out to get the newspaper with Bert every morning or there to greet us at the door when we came home. She made sure Bert didn't forget her nightly snack and would bug him until she got it. Believe me if Bert "thought" he gave her snacks, Tinker would keep reminding him that he didn't. She would "talk" to you and you could say "Go talk to Mommy" or "Go talk to Daddy" and she would do just that. She is a great loss to us and was a very precious dog - it won't be the same without Tinker Bell in this home. This has been a very sad weekend for us and the whole country with the tragic news of the Space Shuttle Columbia. God be with their families and comfort them.