†Puppies for Sale†â€" that was the subject of the email I opened over 13 years ago while working in San Diego that would change my life. In the email, the owner described purebred Australian Shepard puppies. I had no idea what Aussies were at the time so I did some research and I liked what I read. I was looking for another dog to keep my golden retriever/husky mix Bailey company. So I set up a meeting â€" I even took Bailey with me. I went out and met the puppies and I knew when I saw them that the only Red-Tri in the puppies was for me. He had attitude and he was beautiful. Bailey wasn†t fazed by the meeting at all which was a good sign. My heart said yes, but my brain was factoring everything in. I still wasn†t sure I could manage the additional cost and work involved as well as the cost for the puppy himself. At that time, I had decided not to get a puppy. The owners called and asked if I had made a decision, and I told them my concerns. They told me they were more concerned about finding a good home for him then the cost and they felt I was right for him, so they reduced the price. My heart took over from there. I went to pick him up with a friend, and the owner instructed me to hold him for the ride home so that he would bond with me. I had no idea what the depth of that bond would be. Bailey and I welcomed Kokanee into our pack and he fit right in. Kokanee loved his new big sister Bailey and me immediately. Kokanee forever changed my life. He had eyes only for me, beautiful, strong, gentle, warm, wise, thoughtful eyes that were always looking for and found me. Kokanee was always by my side with his toys, and always wanting to please even during his final days when the cancer was taking over. For over 13 years Kokanee was in my life and I can†t imagine my life without him. I am heartbroken beyond belief. The breeders were wrong, I wasn†t right for him, he was right for me and I†m so thankful they called me. I miss you Kokanee, my buddy boo-boo. Love Jackie ------------------------------------------ We Have a Secret We have a secret, you and I that no one else shall know, for who but I can see you lie each night in fire glow? And who but I can reach my hand before we go to bed and feel the living warmth of you and touch your silken head? And only I walk woodland paths and see ahead of me, your small form racing with the wind so young again, and free. And only I can see you swim in every brook I pass and when I call, no one but I can see the bending grass. - Author Unknown