Carine writes her goodbyes to Amanda:

Hi Amanda,

You have left us yesterday, but I feel your presence

is still strong and I have a hunch that you are

watching us from Doggie Heaven. Play hard, take lots

of naps and eat all the beef you want!

I remember first seeing you at a Glot Picnic and, like

everybody being impressed by your beauty and

gentleness. Later, as Jeff and I got involved, you

really took all my fears away about owning a dog

because you were so easy-going and loving. You

accepted me too--part of it was of course all the

extra treats you were getting now that I was around.

You could be a stubborn lady, but nevertheless, you

and I managed to teach each other new things too. When

Jeff was gone on business travel for 10 days, I had to

drive you every day to your yard at Jeff's house, and

since I could not lift you in the car, had to do a

two-stage operation to get you in the car: first the

front paws and then the hind legs. Finally you thought

this was too undignified for a Lady and learned to

jump into the car by yourself!

We loved you with all our hearts, and spoiled you as

much as we could. Over the years, you got to taste all

kinds of treats, including lobster and filet mignon.

And you know what? You deserved it!

You loved your walks so much! (Except in Knoxville

where we sometimes had to wheedle you outside the

house because it was so hot and humid) Even grumpy old

Granddad Peelaers took a plastic bag and went walking

with you to the bakery or the dry-cleaners.  You and

he developed quite a bond, as you kept him company

on the porch early in the morning when everybody else was still asleep.

I walked you a lot in the windy hills of South San

Francisco. I am sure you remember our Indian neighbor

who always had to stop us and give you a treat when he

saw us walking by. And I still remember you rolling

around in the grass when we went walking with you at

the Bay in South San Francisco. How precious it was to

see you so happy!

I will also never forget the Doggie Halloween party in

Burlingame. You dressed up as a pumpkin, happily

following all the other dogs into the shops and

getting treats from everybody. We buried your

Halloween costume with you, because there will never

be another "Pumpkin".

Of course it was no problem when Ruby came to be part

of the family, you accepted her without any problem.

When you were playing with her, and the house was

filled with joyful barks, it filled us with joy too.

You gave a lot of love, and in return, you were loved

by everybody who met you, like our neighbour in

Knoxville, who took to calling you "Everybody's

favorite nose". Up to the very end you were a child

magnet. I am so grateful that you still got to

celebrate Ryan's second birthday with us, where all

the little toddlers gathered around you to pet you.

But you grew old and so creaky... You weren't able to

get up by yourself anymore and we had to lift you

every three hours. I apologize if we kept you with us

too long, but we couldn't help it. It was hard to give

you up because we loved you so much. But at least you

weren't in pain--you passed away before that happened.

Now you are released from all worries and ailments and

I am convinced that you are roaming around at a sedate

pace all over doggie heaven. So much to explore and

sniff! So many people to get pets from!

We buried you with thirteen flowers from our yard,

symbolizing the thirteen wonderful years you spent

with us. You were wrapped in a soft cozy blanket and

Jeff lay you in your favorite spot in the yard, with

your face facing the doggie park, just as you liked to

lay. Goodbye my faithful friend. Just know that you

have taken part of my heart with you!

Love Always,

--Carine

Carine took this photo one of the best taken of Amanda, as it shows her gentle nature.  I couldn’t have written this any better.  Goodbye my old dear friend.  I will never forget you.

--Jeff