TO THE EDITOR

It's so hard to say good-bye to a wonderful dog that didn't deserve to die. I can't believe he shot you dead and didn't seem sorry for what he did. Why he shot you I will never know.

You were just a baby, 17 months old, my heart was yours the day your daddy brought you home. The best surprise of my life, the gift of a puppy from a husband to his wife. Although our life together was cut short, the memories you gave us will always live in our heart.

You knew you were loved and you will surely be missed, most of all I will miss your wet puppy kiss. You loved to steal socks and help feed the fish. "Bye, bye" was your favorite words to hear. You were always so excited to go just anywhere. Trips to the lake will never be the same. Mommy was so proud of you the day you learned to swim. You always could make us laugh, you loved your popsicles and your baths.

I will never give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry. He will never understand the pain I have inside. He will never understand how hard it was to dig you a grave and cover you up. He may have taken you away from us but son, he will never take away all of our love and the beautiful memories that we share.

You were our angel and I know you knew just how much mommy and daddy loved you. So rest in peace my beautiful Colt because I know one day we will be together again swimming and playing on God's land.

So our promise to you: you won't be remembered for your tragic untimely death but by the love you gave and the games we played. I may have had to wash your blood away but our undying love for you always will stay.

To the man who killed our dog, you know who you are. What kind of man can kill an innocent dog on the way home from his daily morning jog? Then when confronted, denied seeing him until finally admitting to killing him. I will never forgive you for what you have done. You could have knocked on our door. I believe you knew where he belonged and he wore a tag but no, instead you decided to put a bullet in his butt and head. I hope God has mercy on you though you had none for our wonderful pet.

EMILY NEELEY