"Suzie was adopted from the Orange County Animal shelter in February of 2000...where she ended up after having been picked up as a stray and spent 20 days. When looking at the rows upon rows of dogs...I saw Suzie. She was such a beautiful dog, lying down in her cage...and when I spoke to her...her ears pricked up and she carefully listened to me. Her eyes shone with intelligence. As I was speaking, Suzie lifted a paw towards me and placed it against the chain link fence separating us. I felt we had been chosen by this dog.
I was determined to treat her with respect, and kindness, never raising a hand to her in anger. Oh, we had our bumps along the way. I'll never forget how she would grab some pretty bizarre objects (including, but not limited to a letter, a duster, a butcher knife and some Homer Simpson slippers) in her mouth, and run around thinking it was now her toy. She eventually learned what toys were hers and what wasn't. She learned the same way about chewing...after trying patio furniture, books, and hoses...she agreed that nylabones, deer antlers, and even carrots were better. She eventually exhibited exemplary behavior...we could even safely leave shoes, socks, and ,outdoors, hoses around without putting them in any peril.
She was a well mannered girl indoors, too. Virtually no "accidents". Incredible. Taking her for a walk was sometimes a misnomer…she would take you. Even after literally months of obedience training…she never really "played nice" with other dogs. Larger dogs were mostly challenged…smaller dogs and cats could be mistaken for squeaky toys. Dogs and cats walking by and near our yard would see Suzie instantly change into a "whirling dervish". Despite the behavior that only occasionally caused her to be nicknamed "Psycho Suzie", she was calm and gentle around all the grandchildren. 
For quite a few years after her rescue, she would come to thank me upon finishing her dinner. Sometimes she would come to thank me even if another family member fed her.
At the age of 10 Suzie developed a painful condition that necessitated emergency surgery. In the middle of the surgery, the vet called to say euthanasia was an option. We decided to give her a chance at life. She survived over 2 years after the emergency treatment. Despite battling horrendous health issues, Suzie's disposition never took a turn for the worse...she was always and forever sweet, loving, and trusting. When the condition returned, we decided not to have Suzie suffer."
Thanks, Dr. Forslund, for making Suzie's last moments peaceful.
Arlynn Bottomley and family
Brea