My Sweet Old Girl,

I have dreaded this day and hoped it would not come as soon as it did. I hoped you would have one more Christmas, one more birthday, one more summer. What kills me is that I see glimpses of the old Dixie. The Dixie we used to call "The Rocket" and that would zoom off after a squirrel so fast we could only see a blur of your golden coat. The Dixie who the second she heard popcorn popping in the microwave would run over and beg for a piece (or 20).

I truly hope you know how much you mean to me and as corny as this sounds you changed my life. I was beyond terrified of dogs and would crawl on furniture to get away from them and even had to go to therapy. This was my life until I was about 9 and we got you. I truly believed God sent you down from heaven to protect me and to help me find my now undeniable love of dogs. From the moment we rescued you I knew my life would never be the same.

We have some of the funniest stories of you and you will always be our Super Swoo. Thank you for allowing me to love dogs with my whole heart. Without you I would have never adopted my rescue baby. You gave that to me and for that, I will be forever grateful.The house will not be the same coming home to only two dogs and not three greeting me at the door with wagging tails and wet kisses.

What kills me most of all is that you have no idea this is happening. We are doing it because we love you so so much and never want you to resent us for keeping you in pain. You know girl how much of a mess Dad will be. You are his baby and you have been with us for thirteen years and seen us go through some hard times. You have been with me through breakups, graduations, moving to college, birthdays, new jobs, and scary times when we did not know why certain things were happening. You did not leave my side when I had major surgery and were always down for a nap whenever I needed one. You are the BEST dog we could of ever asked for.

I remember talking Mom into letting us get you and Baker and I pleading that we would take care of you and that I would not be scared anymore. Because of you I know what unconditional love is and I know the true meaning of being selfless. Thank you sweet girl for your years of love and giving me my baby. No other dog could ever compare to you and you could never be replaced. Please look out for us while you are up in heaven. I know we will all see you again and you will be healthy when we do. I don't care what anyone says-all dogs DO go to heaven. Fly high old girl. I can't wait to see you again. You will always be with us- you were never just a dog.