I first saw Lexi almost 15 years ago, at the shelter in Bristol, Indiana where she had been abandoned. Soon afterward she graced our home and became a very special friend and pet. She had a great deal of separation anxiety at first, and would prefer to ride in the car and sit in the floor board rather than stay in the backyard, or in a crate. She was known to escape numerous crates, yards, and kennels, and even became stuck in bars trying to break free. When she made the great escape she would end up on the front porch awaiting our return. Eventually we allowed her the freedom of the house and all was just fine. Lexi was especially sensitive to group dynamics and would often end up holding "paws/hands" when a group joined in a circle for prayer. In my office she would patiently sit by my chair or under the desk. She was a nurturing animal to those suffering pain and discomfort. She personified grace, dignity, and nobility.

When my marriage ended in a divorce, she unfortunately was not able to move to my rental home, and having her with my children at their mother's house was very difficult for me, but I felt important for them to have the constancy of her care and "Golden" love. She died one evening last week, after a night in which I had a premonition that she was going to die. While my ex allowed me to say good-bye, the pain of not being able to bury her and to do the final care which I felt called to do will always haunt me. Lexi was the one place in my life where I felt loved, valued and accepted... May she run free, no longer hindered by the pain of age and hurting bones, and may she one day know the immense blessing she was in my life... To the God who gives us such blessings, I owe heartfelt gratitude...

Shelby Scott, March 8, 2007