Saying goodbye is always the hardest...

Today we had to say good bye to Spanky, the dog I grew up with.  He lived a long, loving life.  I will never forget convincing my Dad we needed a dog, and researching all about Italian Greyhounds.  The day we picked him out of the litter, he could fit into my 10 year old hand.  He was so cute and tiny, just like a beanie baby.  We decided to name him Spanky after the dog in the movie "The Little Rascals."  We later realized that the dog's name was Petie, and one of the kids was Spanky!  Oh well :)

I loved to cuddle with the little guy when we first got him.  He was the best cuddler.  I remember trying to take him for walks when he didn't want to leave the sight of the house.  He loved to play fetch, and in his prime he was very acrobatic.  He used to flip and dive to catch his beloved Kong Ball.  He used to love to whip his toys around and fling them into strange places.  Sometimes they would land on the mantle or when he had great aim, into my Mom's cup of tea.

Spanky is the reason why I am with my husband today!  One day on the Cape, I saw another Italian Greyhound, and it just so happened he belonged to Craig.  I have had so many great memories with my little buddy.  He has forever left a little paw print on my heart.