I feel sometimes like you're so close that I could write to you. Heaven knows, you liked to write letters enough.

You've been gone a long time, Little One. But oh, never, ever forgotten. You know, I had to write and let you know, not just how much you're thought of - but how much you still 'help' me and take care of me.

Remember the FIRST time you really got into trouble? I can't remember what you'd done, but I turned to grab you and you took off.....

You must have covered that circle 4 or 5 times - and by this time I'd TOTALLY forgotten whatever it was I was ticked off about and I was collapsed in giggles on the sofa.

I've learned a lot about "training a dog" since you first came to live with me. Remember the nights I slept with my arm clamped around you, so I'd know when you needed to get up and go out? Now I tell folks to put a pretty little bell on their dog's collar so they can hear him get up in the night. But you know, kid? If we hadn't learned to sleep like that - it wouldn't have been half so fun. I haven't had a good 'pillow' since you've been gone.

I remember the trailer behind the motel where we lived. I remember tying you to the doorhandle so you could jump out of the 'back' - giving you 20 or 30 feet of clothesline, which you promptly wrapped around the nearest bush. But I also remember the wild strawberries we found out there and the way you'd come bounding in all full of vinegar.

Then how about living on Barrett Avenue and the morning walks up to Pearson's corner store? I'd tie you out and go in for a few groceries (which were merely an excuse to go con a few bones for you out of Mr. Pearson - he liked you out front of the store tho - you were good for business
"Oh look at that CUTE dog"!)

Speaking of cute - remember that cute cat that lived on the first floor of the apartment building on Lake Avenue? The one you saw the day I rushed in to answer the phone. (It was Mom, who else?!) I dropped your leash and you just wandered out to look down the staircase and out the beveled glass front door. I came out to find you sitting there like such a good kid. You looked up at me and asked with your puzzled face "who left the stuffed cat on the top step?".

You, I and the cat all realized at the same time what the situation was. How did it happen that he ended up chasing you? I know your bark - you really thought he was out in front, didn't you? Cat thot he was being so smart - he did jump ahead of you but HIS door at the foot of the stairs was shut so the chase was on in earnest then. You had him on the run til you got to the stairs going UP to the 2nd floor at the back of the building. I didn't see that - could only HEAR it. Sheesh - by now you two had the whole building poking their heads out their doors and alternately disapproving and cracking up! Then up the 2nd floor hall you came and ripped past me like I was invisible. Then lap two ensued - I lost track of who was in front of whom and when. But the 2nd time up the back stairs that darned cat turned tricky, didn't he? Up that long 35' drapery he climbed, quicker than stink.

But by George, you didn't let him go unnoticed. Who was the louder? You barking at him or him with that caterwauling? But, that's when you learned they don't play fair. Darned cat. Who KNEW he would just plain let go from the top of that drapery and aim for YOU all claws extended - he landed on you like you were a little whooopie cushion!

Your wail chilled me to my soul - thank heaven I got our door open and you slid for home - I don't think I ACTUALLY shut the door on him, but his nose was flattened for a while. Mighta been one of the first times I actually took care of YOU - you were mighty shook that night.

There weren't many times I took care of you, my Little One. You did a darned good job looking after me and the car (do you suppose Mr. Carmichael EVER reached in someone's car to shut off their lights again without checking to see if it was occupied?)

Or how about that old gentleman at the Jewish Home & Infirmary where I worked? Chuma? The one who liked his "Putsy" so well? That was back before I knew, Prissy, how much elderly people really do enjoy animals and how much joy you put in their lives. As far as you were concerned it was your JOB to go visit all of them every week. They were your friends. I can remember how Sarah used to come up to my desk and peek over the top of the cabinet at me and say "Didja bring Prissy??" -- that was always first, Babe. Way before a "hello" to me. It was you that brought the sunshine to her day.

Lots of people benefitted from all that love you gave. Remember the kids at the CP Clinic? It was Bobbi Jo who christened you "Pris-ser-rill - la" because Priscilla was too much of a mouthful. And how about Greg - the little boy with the scarred muscles on his legs who had been burned - it was YOU (not the therapist) that invented the "you can chase me IF you walk on your feet" game. If he "cheated" and dropped to crawl - you'd back off and just bark at him and go stand by the therapist. You'd look up at Jo as much as to say "Hey - tell him he's gotta STAND UP - no crawling!!!". She thought you were the best "assistant" she'd ever had! If Greg's walking today, I bet you're part of the reason why! You worked with him for months!

Then there was little Shawnie - mute - unable to move or talk. You'd go over and curl right up beside him and he'd bury his hands in your fur. He had no control ever over his hands - they were always tight little fists. But there was something about the softness of your fur - when he'd touch you his hands and fingers would relax in the softness. Jo didn't miss that either.

But sometimes, as much as you hated it, you'd get sick. Today I can look back and realize that taking care of you during your bouts of pancreatitis paved the way for all the "sick pups" I've been able to help. But, Pris ... it's not just the ones that have walked thru our doors!

You'd be SO happy at all the dogs we've been able to help because I've given them your favorite dog food recipe:

1/4 # ground beef
2 c. rice plus whatever water is necessary to cook it
a bit of garlic for flavor
Cook it all together til the rice is done, 
then stir in one egg as soon as you take it off the heat.

But, Little One ... rest assured! I never, ever forget to tell people "Prissy would want me to tell you dogs don't LIKE cold leftovers! Warm them just enough to take the chill off pretty please?"

I know you're waiting with Pip and Mike just over Rainbow Bridge for me. And Mandy's probably there waiting for Raine, too, so I know you've got good company.

You know, writing this I realize just what an incredibly honored human I am to have had such wonderful, tremendous friends. I've loved each of you so very much. But I have to pause and realize how very much I've been changed by you too. How much your love brought to me and gave me purpose.

Thanks, Little One. I know you're waiting in that perfect spot in the sunshine.