SammySamSam - my gray stray who was left behind last year when his slaves
moved away has just jumped up onto the couch and with a beseeching look has
moved the laptop off of my lap and curled up on my lap and gazes into my
eyes as I stroke his ears. It makes typing difficult so I decided to read my
various messages from Yahoo groups and started with the asthma group.  The
following was one of the posts and now I'm going to go away and give my
SammySamSam all the love and attention he wants tonight....

Dear Friend
I know you are nervous as you pace up and down.
Although I can't see it, I sense that you frown.
You're sad today and yes, I know why;
The decision you've reached has made you cry.

Weep not for me nor for what you must do.
What a wonderful life I've had here with you.
Where could a stray with no place to go
Be accepted so easily by those she didn't know.

I've had freedom to run and good food to eat;
A mommy to play with and a warm place to sleep.
And I've gotten weak and can no longer play;
Why its my time, I can not say.

I am not well and act as such;
Sleep most of the time, respond slightly to touch.
Yes, my dear friend, I have given my all;
For all my years I've lived life to it's full.

I'm ready to go. Now is the time.
Let's go to the Vet, don't change your mind.
You'll stay with me till I go to sleep,
And then bowing your head you'll softly weep.

Maybe not right away, but in it the end,
You'll understand you were my dearest friend.
Youll realise later after this painful test;
You were my mommy and I loved you best.

Author Unknown