Our 14 year old girl, Sydney, was put to rest yesterday. Her health had been in decline for a while. We did what we could but realized earlier this week that the time had come. We value quality of life and when that was no longer there for her we made the only decision we could.

Sydney came to us in August of 2005 through Gainesville Pet Rescue. We had met her at NE Dog Park and thought she would be a great addition to our home and a companion to our then dog, Boxer.

In many ways we were wrong about that. It’s been a roller coaster ride. But, despite the challenges we faced with Sydney as a family member, there were also many good and positive experiences. We met some wonderful people as we negotiated the trials and tribulations a special animal brings.

We don’t know anything about Sydney’s life prior to joining our family other than she had used up her time at animal control and was scheduled for euthanasia.

We’re grateful to have had her in our lives. It wasn’t always easy but she has a special place in our hearts. She was a misfit dog and we think we were able to give her a happy life.

We are better humans and caregivers because of her.

Thank you, Sydney, for gracing us with your life.

Rest in peace, sweetheart.