In March 2003, when I contacted Greyt Friends about learning more about greys, in the hopes of adopting one, Dee listened to what I was looking for, what my lifestyle was, and said "we've got a couple senior girls. Angie and Andi. THey're both wonderful, but Andi *loves* to travel. And she's black" which was what I was looking for - a black dog, female, senior, that would go places with me.

So I went to Dee's house, where both the girls were fostering, and Angie came up to me, looked into my eyes, and licked my chin. I was hooked, and she's been in my heart since April, and in my home since May.

But Andi always had a special place, too. She was my "almost" dog. I rejoiced when she was adopted out, although I missed her when I was house-sitting for Dee.

Today, while Dee and I were talking about prospects for our availables, she said that Highway's mom was looking for a new senior girl, since she had to let Andi go to the Rainbow Bridge.

I was stunned. Turns out my sweet "almost" dog had osteo, and there was nothing they could do for her.

Andi and Angie were the first greys I met, and it was just a fluke that the dog who stole my heart was not the black female I went there to meet, but the "yeller dawg" that licked my chin that day.

She wasn't mine, but I find myself crying anyway, because she was my friend.

Run free, old girl....enjoy your new life.