Obituary of Hannah Dog

Losing a loved one is never easy. On June 4th, 2003, I lost my dog, Hannah. She was my best friend, my roommate, my only "child." I always knew she was a big part of my life, but I didn't realize how big, until she was gone. I have never before experienced such a devastating loss . . .

Before Hannah came into my life, I never really thought I'd be a ''dog person,'' but I have become one and am proud of it. It's true what they say about dogs--they are loving, trusting, and pure in their feelings, and not afraid to show them, and Hannah showed her feelings in a very quiet and dignified way. I will miss many things about her: her enthusiasm for walks, her soft, comforting snoring at night, her lying on her favorite spot on the floor in front of the kitchen sink, and perhaps most, her always being there when I got home, and greeting me with a ''It's so wonderful to have you home again'' look and wag of the tail.

When I first decided to get a dog from a shelter, I thought I would be giving a neglected being a second chance at life. Little did I realize that that's what Hannah would be giving me. Hannah changed who I was, and changed me for the better. Her encouragement for walks gave me an appreciation for nature and an incentive to exercise. Her love of routine gave my often unorganized life some structure and balance. Her gentleness and friendliness toward strangers-whether canine or human-helped me see the world through kinder eyes. Her simple presence, as a being I was now responsible for, gave my life added purpose. But most of all, her ever-present love and gratitude and acceptance of me-from her wagging tail in the morning to her contented sigh at night-gave me a joy like no other.

I still think of Hannah every day and perhaps I always will. But finally, the heartbreaking memories of her illness and death are slowly beginning to fade and the pleasant ones of our happy times together are growing a little stronger. Hannah was and will always remain one of the best parts of my life.

Thanks for sharing your life with me, girl . . .

~Donna