Obituary of Tuxedo Joe

I always called him ''My Best Dog''. I'm rarely at a loss for words, but simply put, he was ''The Best Dog''.

My constant companion, ever ready for any trip or adventure. My Noble Beast, always with me, at home, at work or at play.

For as much as we tried, I fear my husband and I fell short in our constant attempts to return his capacity for unconditional love.

Tux gave so much of himself, as all our pets do, to Ken and I, our families, friends and children. He loved children so. Standing true to the breed, better known as ''The Gentle Giants''. He gave also, for a number of years as a Blood Donor, through the Emergency Veterinary Hospital programs in our area. Always ready and willing, he gave his precious gift of life without complaint. Only ever hoping for his favorite ''Oreo'' treat as reward for his services, he really was ''The Best Dog''.

His physical absence alone leaves a huge emptiness in our life, and home, but truly there are no words to express the loss, the sadness or the hole I feel this has left in my heart.

My best friend, my best dog, has passed away. I try to take comfort in the years of memories and photographs I have on paper in my mind and in my heart. But, I fear as much as we can love them, our precious furry ones, our grief, can for a time, seem equal to, or greater than the love we have for them.

Tuxedo will be missed so missed. If only I could truley share the depth of my love and loss for him. Words are simply not enough.

Be free my friend, of pain and the restrictions of old age. A dog with a heart that knew no boundaries and a spirit unlike any I've known before. I pray for your heaven to be everything it could be, your youth restored! May your everyday, a perfect Spring time memory.

I love you so ''Tuxedo Joe'' and long for the day to see you again.

We miss you, and will cherish every memory for all our days to come,

Ken and Sue Zahler, ''Shelby'' and ''Scooby Doo'' too.