This is Lizzie's story. Lizzie was rescued in South Carolina by the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America in March 2009. She was 8 or 9 years old. It was very obvious that she was neglected for many years. But Lizzie was lucky, her foster father was a veterinarian. He took care of all her health problems and soon her health got better and better. After a couple of months she became a healthy and beautiful girl! I flew from Seattle to South Carolina in November 2009 and met Lizzie for the first time. Her foster father warned me before I met Lizzie. He said Lizzie might not come to me, she needed time to warm up. For me that was very understandable, she did not have to like me right away, so many people failed her already for many years. I still remember the moment Lizzie's foster father brought her to the room. She looked like she knew I was coming to meet her. Lizzie was so happy, running around the room and she jumped into my arms right away. At the time I believed that my old dog Emi ( she passed away a few months before ) sent the message to Lizzie from Dog Heaven that her new mom was coming to meet her. Lizzie was all over me, gave me kisses and hugs. And I knew she would be with me the rest of her life. As soon as Lizzie arrived in Seattle, she followed me around everywhere. We bonded with each other right away. We were inseparable. We did everything together and had a great life. Lizzie was always calm, peaceful and very happy. She was living in the moment. My friends call her the "Zen dog." There were not many things that bothered her. Lizzie was looking at me, her bright cute eyes told me: " l am very happy now, just be with me." It has been almost a year since Lizzie passed away. She was the most gentle, kind and sweet girl.

Lizzie- You are very very special and always in my heart. Thank you so much for coming into my life.

Love, Michiko, your mom.