There is always a special dog in every dog lover's life, that special dog like no other. To that person there could be no greater canine in the world. Maybe it is because that special dog is loyal to a fault or maybe because he saved that person's life. Maybe it is because he feels all the emotions we do, or because he is the world's biggest clown, or maybe because he is so willing to please. Whatever the reason, each and every dog lover has experienced such a companion.

I would like to tell you all about my special dog, my very best friend. He is no longer with me now, he has since gone on to Rainbow Bridge. His huge head no longer nuzzles my hand, his kisses are no longer felt. Although he is gone now, he still remains near and dear to me and will always be my closest companion.

His name is CH La Tutela Collo Grosso. From the time he was born he was totally different from any other puppy in his litter. When the other puppies ate, he slept; when the other puppies played, he ate. He was always very people oriented and always sought out their companionship. Yet he was the greatest protector of home and family that you could ask for. He was wonderfully compassionate, his big hazel eyes forever looking deep into your soul. He slept in my room every night and stayed by my side every day. Sometimes he was silly and goofy and other times quite the gentleman and the ladies man. He would go anywhere to be with you and do anything to be near you. He loved the show ring and he loved being at home. He truly was a dog for all seasons.

He lived to 10 ½ years, a good and long life for a neapolitan but the time had come for us to say goodbye to him. We knew this time would come but somehow it was harder than we every imagined. He had a huge growth in his dewlap which no one wanted to remove and suddenly he started to lose weight. The appointment was made and the grave was dug. The day we brought him in I knew it was time, there was no doubt in my mind now. He could no longer hold his bowel movements, he would just stare and look out the van window not even knowing what he was doing.

In the vets office we were told that it was not this growth that was killing him, his limp nodes were fine. It was a stomach tumor, a very large one. Not that this would make the decision any easier, it just made it right in my mind. My loyal friend was not going to suffer, I could not bear to remember him that way. I wanted to remember him as the young Collo, the one who loved life and people, the one who loved the show ring, the one who loved to go for rides in the car, the one who loved to romp in the grass, the one who loved to give you kisses.

I wanted to make this tribute to Collo something special, but the words come hard for me now. I miss him desperately and think of him more often than I'd like to admit. The house is lonely without him, not quite the same place as before. And as I sit here typing this with the tears running down my face I know I did the right thing for my best friend. And I know he is up there at Rainbow Bridge and when he takes a moment out from playing with all the other dogs there, I know he looks down at me and says "Thank you mommy and daddy for not letting me suffer. I will see you again and I miss you as much as you miss me"!