To Our Loyal Four-Legged Friend Auzzie

June 4, 1997-January 6, 2009

I knew it was going to be hard, but I had no idea how hard it was going to be. It has been a long week at the Smith house. Today we had to say goodbye to our best buddy of 11 1/2 years. Few dogs come along as good as Auzzie. While Dayton was taking a bath tonight he asked me why people had to die. He said it was so hard because Auzzie was so special. I think there are few dogs as good as Auzzie was. He and I have traveled many miles together around Billings. He was the best running partner anyone could ever have. He always seemed so happy and willing to do whatever you asked him to do. You always think your pets will live forever and Auzzie's death just came on way to sudden. To make a long story short he went in for surgery today and never woke up. I sat with him earlier today just petting him telling him it was going to be ok. I had a feeling all week that his time was getting near. It is funny how our gut reaction is usually our right reaction. Robbie brought home Chinese for lunch and oddly enough our fortune said. Time heals all wounds. Today it could not be more true. Our hearts ache right now, but we know Auzzie is no longer suffering any more. Little did we know that 2008 would be his last Christmas. Thankfully enough he got to spend it with his best girl Maddie. She was without a doubt his best doggie friend. I thank the Nemers for always taking such good care of him while we were away. You all were his home away from home and second family. I appreciate the many, many times you took him in. Auzzie had been us through so much with us. We got him right after we were married, he's been through two homes and also had to deal with two new little babies but still loved us every step of the way. Life truly does fly by so enjoy every minute. Auzzie we will never forget you and always miss you. You were one in a million. Thanks for making our lives so wonderful for 11 1/2 years!

This was taken Sunday evening. One of our last as a family with our dear friend. We were not sure how much longer Auzzie was going to have so we decided to dedicate our dinner to him. We make steak and even gave him the "You are special plate today." I hope he felt he was treated like royalty.

I actually really love this photo. I accidently took it while I was trying to set up the automatic timer, but I think it really shows how much Auzzie was loved.