Ever since I adopted Emilai (Sandy to DFW) nearly two years ago, I intended to send pictures of her and her siblings to share with you how beautiful she has made my life. It is with great regret that I did not do that before her passing yesterday. I'm not quite sure how it happened. In the morning she was jumping around my legs with her brother and sister as they saw me off to work. It was just another day. Then I returned home, and she wasn't there to greet me with a smile and a kiss. After hunting for my baby girl, I found her laying by my bedroom door in a forever sleep. Although I didn't have long with Emi, she was a shining light in my life. When I adopted her, it was with crossed fingers that my first child, Vincent, would love her as much as I knew I would. What a pleasant surprise it was when they started to play the very first day. It was a magical and serendipitous fit.

Since adopting Emi, I have added another daughter to the mix, a sassy pug mix named Lola. She took on the mother role more than the playful sister one so, although I know Vincent loves Lola too, Emilai and her playfulness will leave a hole in our life.

I thank you for all the beautiful memories you gave me when you called and said I could adopt Emi. I will forever see her barking and spinning in speed of light circles every time I hear my doorbell ring. And it will be some time before I get used to the cold spot in bed that once was Emi's curl-up spot.

Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times over. You blessed my life with her, and despite my current grief over her loss, I thank God we were able to give each other love and happiness.

Jennifer