Papa was a kindly, old gentledog who came to SPIN nearly 2 years ago. He was getting on in years and was slightly arthritic but SPIN never turns down a dog who has entered his golden years and so the saga of Papa began. Many times when a senior dog enters a foster home he never leaves. People clamor for the cute, fuzzy fluffball pups but it takes a very special and caring person to open their heart and home to an oldster.

Such a special and caring person was waiting in the wings for our Papa and fate brought Karen and him together. She fell in love with this old man and he with her and the rest of the story is history as they say. He became her most special family member and enjoyed the best two years of his life. She showered him with love and attention and he repaid her with all the love and loyalty his old bones could muster. And now she will give him the ultimate gift, his time has come and she must bid him good-bye and let him go. It's a sacrifice that only those who have been called upon to make out of love can truly understand.

Yes, there will be tears today but there will be joy too - Papa will again be young and robust, he will romp and frolic at the bridge while waiting for all of us who loved him to join him there and be reunited for all time.