Pet's upbeat attitude in face of declining health heroic

They say you are never given more than you can handle. Now I understand what that means.

Let me tell you about Pete. He was the symbol of true hope and endless optimism while battling a rare form of eye cancer, losing that eye, and kidney failure, enduring more than four years of chemotherapy, medications, and daily IV's.

Pete was a legend bigger than life but in reality he was 12 inches tall, four short little legs, and weighed only 19 pounds! He courageously fought his long and tiring battle determined to beat the odds and overcome his illnesses.

He was always up for anything from kayaking, boating, biking, walks, and mountain vacations. He took every doctors visit in stride with his little tail always wagging ready to "go for another ride."

But through it all, he would always eagerly greet me at the door wanting to play, giving unconditional love and affection.

So this is my tribute to you, Petie, my little buddy. I celebrate and honor you at this emotional time of your passing.

With the holidays quickly approaching, I'm eternally thankful to have shared 16 happy years with you.

They also say time heals everything. I sure hope that's true because I'm heartbroken realizing that when tomorrow comes I won't see you there, but elated in knowing that you are at peace and no longer suffering.

You fought like a champion, never gave up, showed any pain, or acted as though anything was wrong.

You are truly a "hero" and the greatest epitome of hope and determination to be a survivor!

Although you may be gone from me now, I will always love and cherish you. You will forever live in my heart and I will treasure every memory.

D. Tindall

Bradenton

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Pet's upbeat attitude in face of declining health heroic ."