January 8, 1996 - July 20, 2008
(12 1/2 years old)

Missy first came into our lives at the age of 4 years.  We had a chance to bring her into our home and our hearts.  Taken away from the awful chain and tree she was bound to, she jumped over the tailgate into our truck and never looked back. We formed an instant bond that only got stronger as the years went by.

She and Rock were the Best of Friends and she taught him many tricks of the trade.  Missy was one of the best mamas I have ever seen and it was so much fun to watch her try and make her babies behave.  She had been retired from that for many years and spent her days just as she wanted... which was mostly lying in the shade or riding in the truck with Rock beside her.

Eventually the time came when Missy had to be helped to potty... one Sunday morning she could no longer stand.  She and I both knew what had to be done.  Exceptionally smart as she was, she only had love and understanding in her eyes as we took our last ride to the vet.  Missy had more faith in me than I did in myself to do the right thing.  That same love and faith were in her eyes as her heart slowly quit beating.  I had done my grieving and crying over losing her in the earlier days, now I felt a relief to know she would be able to run, ride in a truck and even herd the occasional cow if she wanted to. I do believe she and I will be together again.

It is said that the best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of its' master, I could not have ever expressed it any better.