I am crying my eyes out reading Gretchens story, I rescued a little doxie (Daphne)over 15 yrs ago from some college students that purchased her as a pup and tied her outside in cold west virginia, they were being evicted and were going to take her to the pound! She fit right in with my then 6 children whom are all grown now and she has been my littlest child. She passed away this past Monday at the age of 16, it is so hard. She follwed me throughout the house, watched tv and slept with me. Now I have lost my best friend and my littlest angel, she and Gretchen look so much alike. How could anyone have kept her for so long and then just dumped her. Thank god she found a soul like you to take care of her in her final days. Thats why I prefer animals over humans, as said they are "man's BEST friend". I know she loved and appreciated all the love and care you gave her and I am sure she will bewaiting for you, like my little Daphne will be waiting for me:(