Mon, 3 Mar 2003 21:11:47 -0600 - from Michele

I remember the day I brought you home, only 18 months ago. The moment I saw you, I thought "How cute!", and you stole my heart. You where black and gray, an beautiful old man, I must say. You rode in the car like such a gentlemen. We stopped at KFC for a bite, you my friend, enjoyed every bite! Such a good, sweet boy.

At first you where very shy, very quite old man. You where scared of people and of their hands. Through all the years you spent in the puppy mill, you built up quite a shell. Slowly, but surely, that shell lifted. And you trusted us enough to show your true self. A darling personality you showed us. You learned that hands where made for giving you lovings. You knew we loved you and you loved us back. What a beautiful boy you turned out to be, my Little Percy.

Here's just a glimpse of our Little Percy ~

• He always had a big beautiful smile. Especially if you'd pick him up or just stop by to pet him.
• He would tell us stories of the past and I would say " Oh yeah, tell more… Oh you are so silly, Percy boy".
• He would remind us to feed him - an hour early he would warn!
• He couldn't go for walks, but he would stay behind with a treat, and when we came home, he would great us like an old mother hen. So happy to see us again, whole body wiggling and a big grin!
• He would play with his brothers, and sister and toys. He even had his most favorite snuggle bed, but don't go around it when he is in it. For he will strike as fast as a cobra, to warn others to stay away from his bed!
• He was very curious of everything mom did, from cooking to cleaning, to putting wood floors in. He would have to be in the same room with me. He wanted to oversee, sniff and inspect each project, you see.
• When I would get on the computer at night, Percy would lay in his little bed just right. I would gently wake him, cause he couldn't hear me very well. I would scoop him up in my arms and take him with me.
• Every morning he would lay in the bathroom door, and watch me getting ready to go to work. Then he would tell me a story or two. I would pick him up and sing a song or two. Our song that I sang the most: "You are my Sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray. Oh how I love you, Little Percy, please don't take my sunshine away" He loved it and would smile ~ real big.
• He learned to walk up stairs, though some days it would tucker him out. He fell a couple times down the stairs so he grew not to like them. But we would help him out and gladly carry him about.
• He loved to snuggle at night. He always slept right next to me, as close as he could get. I miss hearing him snore and breathing.
• He wore a little bandana, he would smile so big when I put it on him. And he walked kind of funny, like a little cowboy!
• Always wagging his tail, and doing cute little poses,… looking at us ~ as if he was wondering what we should do next!
• He also would snuggle next to me on the couch and if I was really good, every now and then, I received little Percy kisses! But if I got up from that couch he would sit up and look about. He thought that mom should just sit with him!
• He loved the sunshine and would go "sun bathe" out side. He loved treats ~ especially popcorn and carrots. He even learned to beg! Who said that old dogs don't learn new tricks?
• Percy followed me everywhere. And he always gave me the cutest little stare, with his big dark eyes! I would always tell him that he was just too damn cute! And he loved to be rubbed on his little tush!

Percy now watches over us ~ you see... he passed away one cold February night. I must admit, it gave me a fright. My little friend, our "Cowboy", sweet Percy man... went to join Jesus that night. I am happy that he no longer has to suffer from his old heart wearing out. And now he can play with the other pups about. Rest in peace my friend, but I ask for one thing. Please remember me... and don't forget to wait for me. For one day, we will be together again. You will sniff the air, and know my scent, I will be coming for you, Little Percy boo... I am depending on you... to meet me at the rainbow bridge, so we may walk over it together to enter Heaven. With you my friend, I will not fear, because you will be there.

We all loved you very much. And we miss you like crazy around here. We were proud that you were part of our family.

Mom, Dad, Fresca, Squirt and Panner

Thu, 06 Mar 2003 13:30:20 -0600 - from Sue

Hi Mag,

I don't know if you heard that little Percy, an aged puppymill refugee who was adopted by Michelle B. 18 months ago after being in foster care for nearly a year with first Joy and then me, passed away February 26 of congestive heart failure. Please post this tribute to Percy that was written by a very good friend of Michelle's along with the attached pictures. He's in Michelle's arms in the Christmas picture.

Thanks!

Sue

I came to you on a sunny day in july.......
with my little beard mixed like milk and honey.......
for my coat was not soft like silk ....but you didn't seem to mind..
you rescued me when i was in a bind......you were very kind......
it didn't take long..before i knew.....you humans were just what i needed....
you were indeed the cure for this broken little heart.....right from the start....
now we must be apart......you must trust that this was the time....
the time to set this little soul free....what will be ... will be....
but please remember me........

i couldn't walk a mile... but i was always there with my little smile.....
remember my little bark that told a story or a tall tale from time to time.....
and think of me as you lay in the dark....remember my snuggling....on those cold nights....
think of me ready to go for a drive........
hard as it might be .... strive for some peace now......
for the cold february night.....i found my release.....
now i leave you very quiet.....and very calm....
touch your palms and say a goodnight prayer for me......
we will always be family......even when apart.....