Uncle Albert, ???-Sept. 20, 2007

My sweet Uncle Albert,

I don't know what you were like as a puppy, what your favorite chew toy was, or who your parents were. I don't know how you ended up blind, with only one eye, and what happened to your front leg. I don't know why you got upset at the sound of children laughing or crying, or who neglected you and maybe even abused you and why you ended up in rescue. I really don't know anything about the first part of your life, other than it had to have been hard, at least right before you were rescued. I've often wished you could tell me.

But maybe it's better not to know, better to think about what I do know. I know that Someone had plans for you to be in our family. And it was for too short a time. And I know that you gave us a whole lot more than we gave you. The emptiness now is proof of that. But I am so grateful for the time we had and for the love you gave. You are one of the sweetest dogs I've ever known.

I miss you. The way you were always there, nearby. And how you leaned in when I would hug you. And how you were the best pug in the house to sleep with. And how you followed me everywhere. And how your fur felt on the back of your neck. And how you would lay with your back paw stretched all the way to the front of your body, and hold your foot with your front paws. I really should have taken a picture of that. I miss you. So much. Thank you for being you and being mine.

So, my sweet boy, sleep well, play hard, and don't forget how much I love you.

Love you,
your mom

Uncle Albert was a wonderful part of our family, a rescue from Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption. If you are considering a pug, please visit their website and consider one of the wonderful pugs available. You will not be sorry. And if you are not willing or able to adopt a pug at this time, but would like to help out anyway, please consider a donation to this wonderful organization. Tell them Uncle Albert sent you.