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He weighed just three pounds when I first saw him, and I fell in love. He had no hair, only two teeth, and was starving. He should have weighed eight pounds.

Photo: Elaine O'Neill Kimberley

The shelter let me take him home right away, and we had three wonderful years together.

I don't know how hard his life was before he came to me, but I do know that someone must have loved him before he became a stray. He knew how to give kisses and then wipe your face dry with his cheek.

He showed such strength and gentleness as he endured several illnesses during our time together. After two years of chemotherapy, he finally lost his battle with lymphoma on October 25.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

I will hold his paws in my dreams for the rest of my life, and I know I will meet him again someday, where he will no longer suffer.

Goodbye, Lassie. You changed my life.

I love you, old man.

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Story submitted by Elaine O'Neill Kimberley from Houston, TX.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!