The loss of a pet can leave a big, empty spot in our hearts.

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I've had many pets in my life. Mostly dogs, as one of my sons, as well as myself, are allergic to cats. I do love kitties...but oh, the allergies are hard to put up with! I fostered dogs for rescues for many years. My ''at home pups'' were used to this, and were good foster siblings during the times we had the fosters. Ellie absolutely LOVED being a foster-sibling. She guarded puppies and made the other adult dogs we fostered right at home. Today marks 8 years since I had to make the hard decision to let her go to her reward. It was the hardest one ever, and yes, I've had to do it before. She was incredibly devoted to me, she was always with me--if I had to leave her at home, she waited, very patiently. She loved my kids, my friends, anyone who came over. She absolutely loved snow. If it rained, she would pout and not want to go outside until it stopped. But if it snowed, she got so excited! She plowed snow trails with her nose, tossed it in the air, rolled in it, but never seemed to get tired of it. I still miss her, and she has been gone for 8 years. I wrote this, then: Ellie was a Swedish Lapphund, dumped by a breeder who said she was ''too small'' 'and left her at a kill shelter. No, she wasn't the prettiest dog you've ever seen. She wasn't the smartest, or the best. She came to me at a time in my life that I really, really needed her unconditional love and support. And she gave it, freely and unstintingly. I have to say she was quiet, loving, a very neat dog, never, ever messed in the house the entire time I had her. I honestly think she would have died before she ever did that. She put up with visitors, family, foster dogs, rescue animals, adapted to a huge move, rode for miles and miles in the back of the Jeep without a peep, just happy to be along with me. All I had to do was go get the leash. She was going. If I had to leave her at home, she waited. Slept on the rug right by the door, not leaving that spot until I came back. It was always like coming back home to a party--wagging tail, some little whines, and the way she could ''talk''...hard to explain but she could. All of the fur babies I have loved and sent on to the bridge were special to me. Ellie never asked for anything. All she ever, ever wanted was for me to be with her. Fly high, little girl. You were so loved. See you at the bridge. She was just one of the best, ever. I know most of us who love our pets, truly do miss them when they leave us. I always love mine and spoil them rotten, I know. As my 6 year old grandson said one day when his Daddy's dog died, ''Grandma, it isn't fair. They should get to live as long as people!'' I have to agree.