Our beloved pet mutt Odie was put to rest on the 25th of May, 2000. The cause of the decision to let go was due to cancer that had over ran his body.

Odie was the best dog anyone could have ever asked for, really. I got him for my 10th birthday, in 1988. I wanted a Golden Retriever. Then, on October 28th, a day before my birthday, my parents walked in with this black, raggedy, muddy puppy. I was disappointed at first because it wasn't what I wanted. But Odie soon grew to be a true best friend. Odie was the type of dog that just got into your heart and stayed there. I don't think there's one person out there who had met the dog who wouldn't be saddened by the loss.

Odie did some crazy things in his time and he's also traveled a bit more than the average dog. Born in Connecticut, he traveled to Pennsylvania and then all the way to California. Stopping in Dallas, of course. I remember waiting for him to arrive at the airport in California. They told us to wait at the baggage claim! They probably didn't speak English or something. At that time, Odie had traveled to a state that I never thought I'd go to. It's funny now but at the time I just wanted my puppy!

Odie had a love for pasta, rice, carrots and cheese. Of course, like all dogs, he loved food but he loved those the best. He also had a sweet tooth. He liked Sugar Daddies and Nerds. He only liked to eat the Nerds individually though. That way he could crunch on each one separately! To freshen his breath? Well, a stick of Big Red gum would do just fine for him. He always stole the gum I would get for Christmas in my stocking. And Christmas! Was that a huge event for him. He loved unwrapping his gifts. One year at a little past midnight he unwrapped his present! My mom and I were on the couch and he walked in with his head down but his fluffy tail waggin'. He knew he did something wrong but he just couldn't wait.

He loved to go for rides. He used to go all over town with me when I was upset. When no one else was there I knew I could hold on to him and tell him everything that was wrong. When I cried he was there for me. Maybe it was just my imagination, but he would look at me as if to say, "Things get better, you know." And if I was crying for a stupid reason, he would sometimes even roll his eyes and make me laugh.

Odie will always remain in the hearts of those who love him. Always. There is no doubt in mine that everyday that passes I'll think about him. Or something that he did. His love for construction, Christmas lights and squirrels will be in the corner of my mind. His remarkable flight out of the car window will always be in my memory of him. When I tell anyone about him, I will tell of how he smiled, laughed, and also cried with the members of our family. He was in one word: Terrific.

We will miss him, and love him, forever. The healing has begun, as the memories become stronger and more meaningful. We love you, Odie. All of us.

Kristi 29May00

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