My dear angel Meatball, while here you made so many friends They all truly cared, and loved you ‘till the end - I had to let you go my friend, although it made me cry you were at the point of missing that special twinkle in your eye - I know you’ll be okay now, you won’t be lonely where you go Over the bridge they’re waiting, friends that you know - There’s Dak and Millie and Sammy too, oh the list of names is long They’ll welcome you and show you around, you’ll be family – you’ll belong - You’ll play and romp and lay in the sun, all throughout the day With no cares or worries and trouble free, in peace at night you’ll lay - I hope to see you in my dreams, with that great big alligator smile From over the rainbow bridge you’ll run, we’ll walk and play awhile - I’m honored to have shared your life with you, you taught me so many things I hope you find it peaceful there, and take flight with your new wings - Meatball – your soul is so sweet, gentle and loving. You will be missed forever!!

(Meatball was a resident of the Hamilton Animal Shelter and taken under A.F.E.W.’s wing. A.F.E.W. volunteer, Dina, was working with him to find him a home. Unfortunately when he went to the vet for his workup he was diagnosed to be in kidney failure. Dina loved Meatie and adopted him into her home with her dog Delilah. Meatie lived the good life until the end. He was a special dog to Dina and A.F.E.W.)

The fact was, the second you turned and looked at me at adoption day I loved you. Even when I handled your adoption, I loved you. When you were returned, I didn’t feel badly because I would foster you. I tried my hardest not to fall in love with you. I called you every name but your own so you wouldn’t get attached and I kept telling you not to look at me with those big goofy eyes or even toward me with that big blockhead and those huge velvet triangle ears. But, it was no use.

In your four years with me, my Dakadoodles, you... Ate almost an entire 40lb bag of kibble the first week I had you in foster care. Ate numerous trouser socks; but only the black and navy ones. You learned how to open the washing machine so you could stick your head in and steal those socks to eat. Stole pounds upon pounds of kibble from the kibble bins. Ate a pound of birdseed, "let it all go" in the backyard, causing a remake of "The Birds" when I went to let you out thereafter. Ate a box of foil wrapped granola bars, causing me to inject you via turkey baster with peroxide until you vomited them all up (thanks for the help, Marilyn). Broke into the refrigerator and ate a weeks worth of medication wrapped in peanut butter. Attempted to mate with Old Miss Millie several times a day after being rejected several times a day. Pick-pocketed a wallet from a woman's purse while working a booth at the Pet Expo. Was sponsored by a Girl Scout troop his first year with A.F.E.W. Visited an elementary school with A.F.E.W. to teach children about animal humane education. Barked like a chicken. Played with squeaky toys, of which a 2 ft caterpillar and a Blues Clues dog were your favorites. Would wag just the tip of your tail if I looked your way. Liked your tushy scratched. Were mischievous. Were adorable. Were silly. Stole my heart and made me smile.

I miss you terribly, my big bad boy. The house is quiet without you and my heart is heavy.

(Dakota was an owner surrender to A.F.E.W. After being adopted then returned due to a surgical need, Lynne (A.F.E.W.) fostered then adopted Dakota.)

We adopted "Princess" (whom we renamed Gwen) as a young married couple, just starting my studies at Princeton Seminary. She was a beloved and faithful member of our family for almost 13 years, good-naturedly helping us welcome two kids into the "pack," and putting up with moves from New Jersey to Tennessee to North Dakota. After surviving one cancer operation in 2005, Gwen was finally done in by a recurrence of the disease this spring. We miss her, of course, but we wouldn't trade the good years she gave us for the world.

Please accept our deepest thanks for the wonderful work that you do, and for what it meant to us in connecting us with Gwennie. You make a big difference in the lies of pets and owners alike.

Sincerely,
D. Matthew Stith
Pastor