Early on ...................

Early on in February 2004 I gave Louie a Black Puppy. In his mouth he carried a big red heart. The heart was squeezable and when you squeezed it he would say "I love you."

This puppy soon became the topic of conversation with anyone that approached his bed. He quickly grew to love this puppy and what it stood for. Although I am not totally sure in his eyes what he saw as it's purpose but in mine I knew he had something to hold on to when I could not be there at his bedside. He held on to this puppy continuously. Letting go of it only to change hands ocassionally or when he was being bathed and cleaned up. It was clear that he loved the puppy and it's message. Although it was several days before he could actually squeeze it's heart himself to hear it's message once he learned to do so he offered the simple but meaningful phrase to nearly everyone that came near his bed.

I love you..................... otherwise known as black puppy still contnues to be a part of our lives. He's around now, and when we run across him there is always a moment of mixed emotions. Sad for the time the puppy came into our lives, happy for seeing him again and excitement to know he's grown and improved so much that he doesn't have to spend countless hours a day simply holding on to that puppy.