Firstly; I am very grateful that it was recognized by Doctors Spolek, Witherspoon & McLaughry how special my relationship with Phoenix was. Also, that I was being given the opportunity to share with others how special she was; and how much happiness she added to my life. I first met Phoenix (a Pit-bull/Boxer mix) when my son Brandon brought her home when he was still in high school. She was 6 months old at the time. Not knowing the dog, or being familiar with the breed; I wasn’t completely sure of what we were getting ourselves into. As it turns out; she was one of the most intelligent; intuitive & gentle dogs that I have ever had the pleasure of being around. She was fully aware if I was ill, upset or troubled in any way. During these times; she would stay even closer to me. She acted as a very caring & concerned guardian. I felt as if what ever was going on in my world; I always had her to come home to. Her unfailing love and loyalty will never be forgotten. I have had respiratory problems since I was a small child. I will never forget waking in the middle of the night when I was having trouble breathing; to find her standing over me with her nose just inches from my face. She had such a look of concern on her face; as if she were trying to determine what should be done to help me. I felt blessed for every day that I had with her. My entire extended family shared my affection for her; and appreciated her for her special gifts. It has truly been like losing a member of my family. I often referred to her as my little “good will ambassador”. There was no such thing as a stranger to Phoenix; and she greeted everyone with the same affection & enthusiasm. I remember being concerned when my first grand child came along; that there may have been some jealousy at having to share my attention with someone else. But as it turns out; my concerns were unfounded. As far as Phoenix was concerned; this just meant that she had another human on which to bestow her endless love and affection. She was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma on one of her back legs. As heart broken as I was to learn that I would be losing my best friend of 14 years; I was resolved to make the remainder of her life as special as the time she had given me. She will be in my heart for the rest of my life.

Thank you very much,

Karen W.