Things happen so fast. I wasn't ready for you to leave. Are we ever? This morning you were happy, and full of fun, vim and vigor as Karen and Tracy took you off to get you some medicine to help you breathe better. We thought you were catching a cold. Although your breathing was labored. And tonight you're gone ... forever. I didn't know it was your last day, and then the bad news, that you were dying and there was nothing we could do. Xray after Xray didn't show anything ... nothing but old age. And when we really think about it, that's the best way to go. You didn't suffer with cancer ... you didn't have a failing kidney like Happy, you just lived a long and happy life, once we found each other.

What a friend you've been ... but oh how I miss you already. Whose gonna share my popcorn with me ... and whose gonna bark when I forget to let Sunbutter in when he's outside, or whose gonna bark for the cookies for everyone first thing in the morning ... whose gonna take care of her fellow friends, and whose gonna lay her head on my knee, her eyes full of love for me. You were truly our TOPDOG and I've named my last movie in honor of you. You were the energy in the house ... the silence is almost unbearable.

Two little faces, Jackie and Sunbutter, wait at the sliding door, waiting for me to see them and let them in. If you were still here, Pumpkin, you'd be raising caine ... An suddenly I heard a little whine from Sunbutter ... open the door mom! Or maybe it was a tap on my shoulder from you. I'll have to keep a better lookout on them ... Oh my barking, darling Pumpkin .... We were soul mates from the first time I saw you in that horrible little pen you were in with all the other dogs ... We could only take two or you as it was the beginning of the Foundation and I had no where to put you. I looked and looked at the other dogs, but you kept jumping up against the fence saying "take me ... take me! And I did. You were living in a crate in a run down shed, too small for you stand up in ... and covered which the biggest ticks I've ever seen. Your name was supposed to be Linda and in a way you looked like a Linda, but to me you were always my Pumpkin Pie. (Jackie's been standing, waiting at the door ... I looked up and there she was ... you must have tapped me on the shoulder again ... but back to our letter.) The lady that owned you didn't want to give you to me. Because you jumped up on people and barked too much. She didn't know did she ... we were true soul mates. I told her if I couldn't have you, I wouldn't take anyone, so she gave you to me. Your barking never bothered me ... you wanted so hard to talk in human dialogue. But even in your dog language you were understood as plain as day. "I want a cookie ... I have to pee ... let me outside ... I love you ... all in your language was as clear to me as any human language I've ever heard. Tonight you're running in the heavens with Happy, Beaufort, Germany and your old friend Lady ... how their arms must be open to welcome you. Especially your friend Happy ... I can see him grinning now, telling you all the exciting things he's been doing in the four years since he's been gone. I bet you're barking your head off ... but God, I miss you. Its so quiet here ... your spirit is missing ...

Jackie and Sunny went outside again and stood on your grave ... They said their good-byes when we got ready to bury you. You could see them as well as I, smelling and telling you goodbye. I know they will grieve as much as I do ... we all miss you so much. There is a void in our life.

I could tell you about all the fun things we have done together but you know those as well as I do, and they're treasured memories now. When I think I can stand it, I'll play your recording of your wonderful bark ... remember when I recorded that, and you and Sunny and Jackie singing ... those sounds I'll have as long as I live. And when I need to hear you again, I'll play them.

This morning when Sunbutter went out, we called and he didn't come. I went out and there he was. He had dug a hole on the top of your grave and was laying in it. He wanted to be close to you. He and Jackie miss you as much as we do. They take turns laying in your bed, your wonderful smell giving them the comfort they are seeking. We've covered your grave with beautiful moss covered rocks and will be planting a garden of beautiful flowers around you tomorrow.