Skip started out with us as a rescue rat terrier mix who had no name or birthdate other than what the shelter gave him. He also came with heartworm disease. However, with the excellent loving care and belly rubs and kisses from Dr. Ortiz and the staff at Stuart Animal Hospital he grew into a loving dog who ran to wake up the family at 4:30 am for his Perdue chicken and paste medication for his pancreatitis. He was very brave and lived 10 years with us possibly to the age of 13-14, the last two of which were with the constant and vigilant care of his veterinary team for which we are very grateful. He was known to be able to fly over furniture and we truly believe he could have been an agility dog. He touched the hearts of everyone as he became more trusting until he could no longer eat or take his meds and then he still was amenable to a mobile vet who came to the house to put him to sleep. He gave back more than we could ever give to him. Hopefully this story will be an inspiration for the veterinary students that the animals can sense a loving connection and thrive from it.