Posted April 8, 1998

It is with great sadness that I report the death of a dear little Cocker Spaniel that was quite special to me.

I came to know beautiful Tiffany and her adorable "brother," Teddy, when I met their kindhearted mother, the lady who adopted Happy, one of our most ironically named rescue dogs. Happy had been as badly neglected as any dog we had ever seen. At the age of 13, we wondered if anyone would want her. This lady did, and she told me she hoped her two dogs would adjust. They did more than that. Both little troopers accepted Happy -- renamed Tuffy because it certainly suited her better -- as one of the family.

I visited Tiffany and her family before and after Happy's adoption, and she made a lasting impression on me. There was no question; she was the leader of the pack, and I never doubted for a moment that all three dogs got along so well primarily because of Tiffany.

Her mother has written to me, in serious grief over the loss of Tiffany. I am only too pleased to memorialize this little wonderbug, for all the joy she brought to everyone she touched, for her pure, accepting spirit, and for her gentle passage to Rainbow Bridge. She was an inspiration.

There is no way I could have prepared myself for the loss of Tiffany. I knew she was getting older. I could see her slowing down. After her thirteenth birthday and a serious illness in 1997, every day with her was a treasure, something to be enjoyed, because I knew our time was running out.

She and I went to Florida for Christmas, and it was a very special time to be together. Walks -- just the two of us, without the leash -- and no competition from the other two dogs that stayed home. Just us -- and somehow I knew it would be our last one together.

Tiffany knew nothing except love during her thirteen and a half years of life. She arrived as a bundle of black fur and grew into one of those special dogs that is loved by everyone they meet. She traveled the world, loved to ride in the car, and be on the sailboat. She never knew a harsh word or spent time with anyone who did not care about her.

The end arrived quickly. I know she did not suffer. The pain is now mine, but she will live on in the hearts of those of us who knew and loved her. She gave so much of herself and asked for so little in return. She would not wish for me to grieve, but I must. She was a big part of my life. I will miss her.