Adore, what a sad, but great story! You're right, I hadn't seen your story before. I got teary eyed just reading it because I, along with everyone here who has lost a pet, can relate to those feelings. A first pet definitely has a huge impact on a person. I quite agree with you that it was a blessing that Misty went to the rainbow bridge before my wedding, because I was gone for a 2 week honeymoon(cruise), and Misty wouldn't have been able to be kenneled that long. Especially since the wedding was in my hometown of Columbus, IN and not in California. She was rapidly going downhill in her health, so we all felt it was time for her to go to the rainbow bridge at the age of almost 16.

I just thought I would share my story since I don't have a present dog as of yet to talk about, and my family really didn't grow up with pets, so this was a big impact on all of us.