Dedicated to my best friend

Louie (Lou) Paul

Louie was adopted by us Five years ago from Washington State Shar-Pei Rescue. He was turned out to fend for himself on the streets of Spokane until he was caught and picked up by the humane society and then the rescue people.

We were told that he was hit by a car by our vet and had a injury that couldn’t be treated.

We went to Cle Elm to meet Kelley and adopt a new friend.

She brought two with her a male (Lou) and a female.

His three licks won us over. He has been with us through everything. He traveled with us to Pennsylvania driving across the country.  He loved to put his nose out the window. People when ever we stopped for food and fuel people would come up and ask what kind of a beautiful dog he was. They wanted to pet him. He loved people especially children. He would give them a lick on the hand to show them he approved.

I took him to Oroville to the Deep Bay park where he loved the walks and kids attention on several occasions. He had many young human friends that adored him. I received a hand made card from a five year old girl she was one of Lou's favorite friends, you see when he saw her coming he would get excited as he knew she was going to give him a big hug and kiss. He really liked that. On her card it said: "I LUV U LOU" with a stick dog at the bottom, when I opened it there was a heart and a sad stick dog. I was told that this meant that she was sad for his loss as a friend. He touched many children that can't have animals where they lived. It was an opportunity for him to show his love for children.

  Several times I would walk him down town and people would stop and look at him. He liked the attention that he got. He loved to ride in my pickup and loved chicken nuggets. He always got a treat when we went to town. He always knew when I was coming home and watched out the window for me. He loved hugs and I always gave him some. Louie always liked to go in the big truck for a ride. He could see from the bench seat. I'm really grateful for the time I had with my friend.

His memory will be in my heart forever.

In September 2006 he came down with pneumonia and that was the start of a dreadful fight for his life. You see he had no symptoms of cancer. But it was lurking in his system waiting to take over him. In January 2007 he was diagnosed with Lung cancer and given a week to live. We tried everything in our power to help our dear friend. We even prayed for him to recover from this. Nothing happened it makes me question why our animal friends develop horrible diseases that take over their bodies when they’ve done nothing to anyone. I’ve asked God for an answer but he doesn't answer me.. It makes me ask why he won’t help animals. I keep praying for my friend but nothing is getting better for him.

Is it the food that is killing our animal friends or things that are in our water, air, or yards? No one knows but the cancer rate among animals has risen in the last few years so in my opinion there is something that is causing it. We have had two dog friends that got cancer that is too unreal.  In our valley there has been a rise of cancer in animals and humans. Is something poisoning them and maybe us? This question remains unknown. I am going to have to make a decision to put my friend to sleep. He trusts me and I know that he gives unconditional love. He’s getting weaker by the day. I will miss him dearly my best friend. I have tears as I write this and I know that I can never forget him, I will always have him in my heart. He gave us the best friendship anyone could ever ask for unconditionally. My friend may you rest in peace and forgive me for ending your life. I will see you in heaven as you are one of Gods creations and God says that we will be reunited with animals. I know that you would want us to give another Shar-pei a home and we will my friend. Nothing could replace you nor will we try to do that. You are my best friend and will always be in my heart.

I had to make the decision to put him at peace. I could not bear him in any kind of pain. My best friend, my buddy, I will sincerely miss you. He passed away 3/17/2007 at 11:22 PM.

Anyone that would like to make a donation please contact:  http://www.sharpeirescue.com/states/wa.htm