We adopted Stanley Morgan from a shelter, Beagles and Buddies in California. We knew he was special because he payed attention to us more than to the other dogs. Our son Alex picked him out from the crowd.
Stanley was also a great 'escape artist' which would be annoying to many. But he was a great dog.
One X-mas, we went to grandma's house to spend to the day there but Stanley wasn't allowed to come. Stanley had his own ideas about this though. We'll never forget how he unlatched and opened the sliding door, dug under the backyard fence and ran a mile to grandma's house to be with us. That evening we were astounded when we heard him scratching at the door. He had only been to grandma's house a few times and not very often- how had he found us? We were grateful that he hadn't had an accident on the road. He loved us so much!
When we moved to Washington state, he used his skill to let in a poor abandoned dog. He befriended him and whenever we were out doing errands he would let his new friend Max into the house. Until we got the message. We asked around and found out Max had been left behind by his family. We adopted him and Stanley had a new buddy.
Sadly, sweet Stanley died of cancer last week-end. Even though he had his spleen removed, the cancer had spread to his liver. We miss him so much! Max still smells him around and likes to lie where Stanley used to. The first night without Stanley, Max slept with his head on Stanley's bed. All of the family will never stop loving Stanley.

Roxana M.