My daughter first saw Ursa tied to a tree on a wood pile in Poulsbo, WA in 2001. She came home and told me about her. We had both recently lost our pets Jasper and Holly after years of companionship and it was difficult to think of another pet right away. But when I saw Ursa for myself a few days later, she just looked at me. She was this great big Husky,Shepard mix and we lived in a small 4th floor walk up in Seattle. But the owners did not want her and practically begged us to take her. Their indifference still amazes me. But the day after Christmas, we took Ursa home. She needed a lot of adjustment, especially walks and socializing. But from the very first she connected to us and always know where we were and almost what we were thinking.

Every owner, hopefully, thinks that there pet is bright and special and Ursa was that and more. She was gentle. Giving her hugs was very therapeutic for all of us. She loved little kids. She loved the snow. She loved hikes in the woods. She loved to drink from a river. She liked the beach but not the ocean so much because she couldn't drink from it so it didn't seem useful to her for much else. She loved road trips although she never slept while riding in the car.

It is hard to even say how much we miss her. There was so much about her that was good and kind. She did not deserve to get lymphoma and I will forever hate all of that even though she had good doctors. The best one is Matt Mickas. He is the main reason that we like the WSU veterinary clinic. He would never say he is special but he is.

Ursa even bonded with our rescue Pugs Jemma and Maddie from the first. Ursa had been our only dog for seven years when they showed. She was very patient. But we had to wonder if she thought we were out of our minds.

There are so many stories to tell about Ursa but the main one is how much she was loved and how much it hurts not to have her here. Time heals but we will never forget her.

Be kind to your pet. No one or nothing will love you better.

Carole R. and Johanna Z.