Dear Reader,

Many of you have written to tell me how sorry you were to hear of my dog Django’s death from old age. And many of you have told me about losing beloved dogs, cats, or other pets of your own. That’s why I wanted to write about a dog who died, even though it is not the easiest or happiest subject. As pet owners, this is one of the hardest things we have to deal with: saying good-bye.

I believe it is important to treasure our pets while they are alive and make sure they are happy and safe. If we know we have given them good lives, it is easier to let them go when the time comes. And every pet you’ve had will stay alive in your heart for the rest of your life. I will never forget Tracker, Jenny, Willy, Ace, Jack, Molly, Junior, and Django, my beloved cats and dogs.

Yours from the Puppy Place,

Ellen Miles