17 years, 9 months old
April 1994-January 2012

I got Natalie when she was three months old and she cried all the way home. I stayed home with her for four days so we could bond and she became my baby. She was the love of my life, and I adored her. My mission in life was to make sure she knew nothing but love. And she loved me unconditionally, as all these little creatures do. Natalie’s life was full of play, food, lounging about, napping, and being petted as much as she could tolerate. Natalie was the reason I came home happy. But her last year was fraught with various medical problems that eventually ended with pleural effusion. She was tired.  She no longer wanted to eat. But she still loved.  I could not let her waste away. It was as though she told me she couldn’t stay any longer. I am grateful to Dr. Miller who came to our home and sent Natalie from “home to heaven” in a peaceful, safe environment. We were not rushed and there was dignity in the handling of her precious body. I will always miss her and hope to see her again someday.

“What makes me happier than Natalie?”
“Nothing”

We love you always.

Gayla Brooks
Pat Haugse