Oh Liz I am so sorry. This reminds me so much of when I lost my Dessi girl. I also had begged and begged for a dog my whole life. I finally got her when I was 9 and we lost her when I was in college. It was so hard She had a wonderful life though, as I'm sure Dixie has. I know that doesn't make it any easier, but I hope that can at least be of some comfort

I will be thinking of you and sweet Dixie and holding you both in my prayers.