"I want that one, daddy! She's so tiny!" A pair of sleepy eyes, and a weak little yip replied from my daddy's big hands. I had to stand on tiptoes to see her little nose sniffing at me.

"Alrighty then. What will her name be then?" He petted the puppy's forehead, and she barked a little.

"Hmmm.. Elizabeth!"

"Why's that?" Daddy chuckled.

"She looks like royalty."

"Okay, sweetie." So, we took her home. Elizabeth sat between my sister and I, and slept soundly.

She woke up when we finally got home, and she tromped along the ground, playing with my mom and sister. We got pictures of all of us, even with the kitty.

Sassy didn't like her that much. He would walk around, sashaying his fluffy gray tail, which intrigued her. She would nom it, until he would smack her across the face. Nevertheless, they were best friends.

As an adult she was fat, and bulbous, but we loved her anyway. She was lazy but content.

Late spring of 2009 we noticed she was getting a little sick. Her paws lost fur, and turned gray, and crusty. Her ears were the same, as was the skin around her face. Mucus would build up in her eyes, so we'd have to take a tissue and clean them out. Her eyes turned from a wonderful brown to black. She was blind. We had to medicate her for a long time, rubbing creams and spraying medicine on her.

The thought to put her down was a few days before Thanksgiving. I made a big fuss, so the thought was set aside.

Saturday night there was a misunderstanding that Mom and Dad punished me for. Instead of talking, I wrote my feelings in a letter (despite an almost broken finger) and apologized. I woke up to the smell of coffee, and mom ruffling my hair. She told me about the letter, and how there needs to be better connection between all of us.

A sigh, "Now, some bad news." Her voice was heavy. "We're going to put Elizabeth down this week." We cried, many times. That day, we spent as much time as possible cuddling her.

The next day was Hell on Earth. Dreading classes to end; but I wanted to be with her. I HAD to be. I didn't want her to be alone.

We got home, and more tears were shed. Elizabeth was confused, Why are the humans cuddling me so? She licked our cheeks, tasting salt. Why are the humans crying? Why are they upset? I'll be fine! I'll come home.

The ride was silent. Daddy and the puppy (me) were crying a little, and she'd snuggle, to tell us she'd be okay.

She was placed on a scale, "17.2 pounds." Now picked up.

Strange scents surrounded her. She was so confused.

"This is Elizabeth?"

"Yes, m-ma'am." Why is the puppy crying again? Why am I on a table?

"YIP!" Elizabeth yipped in pain at a shot in her bum. It HURT!

After minutes, she started to get sleepy. She was petted and kissed. She tasted more salt.

"Baby m-mine.. Don't you c-cry.. Rest your head, close t-to my heaart.. ba-aby of m-mine.." The puppy was singing to her? How thoughtful..

She closed her eyes, before drifting off to sleep. For a while, she was in dark, then a light. She felt light, her ears, paws, and face no longer felt itchy, she could breathe, and see!

"Elizabeth Joy."

"Arf!"

"Present. You're a very brave little girl, you know. Your people miss you, but eventually they shall be here to play with you. Until then, you are free to the feast upon the biscuit trees, and chase the prime rib around." The tall man patted her forehead, and scratched her ears. He reminded her of Daddy.

She'd romp around happily, trusting him. She didn't quite know where she was, but she was content. Elizabeth knew she'd be reunited with her family one day, but right now, she was pleased to chase the rabbits.

She was our little girl, our ray of sunshine, the sugar in our coffees, and our cuppy cake gumdrop. She shall be missed, but we know she wouldn't want us to mourn her.

I love you, Elizabeth.