I appreciate everyones thoughtful replies.... Five years ago today, Halloween, we had a little party, for Halloween and to celebrate Mandys 5 mo birthday. (A pup never had so many birthdays.) In October that year we took Mandy to a vet specialist in Cleveland and then to Ohio State University. We were told nothing could be done to fix her heart. Cleveland told us she may not live a year (hence the 5 mo birthday party) OSU told us to hope for three years. Mandy, you proved them all wrong by celebrating your 5th birthday just before you died.
Everynight when I'm out with Lacey and Layla I look up at the heavens and tell you to run Mandy run, something you couldn't do here on earth. How hard this fall and winter season and the holidays will be without you here with us. But I always feel you are near. It doesn't get much easier. I still miss you so...