Mateo (Matt), part Chihuahua, in 2000

Matt, a month before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 30 March 2004

He'll always be remembered as he was in the earlier photo. But heck, he was over 18! He was a sweet, good-hearted boy all the way to the end.

We got his ashes back today. They will be buried with me when that day comes (not too soon, I hope).

A few days after Matt crossed the Bridge, Mugs thought he'd try to take Matt's place . . .

Geez, I can't believe it, Kilo actually tolerated Mugs being next to him for five minutes. Kilo puts Mugs in the same category as Casey. But Mugs just wants to be his friend. Mugs must picture himself as just one of the little dogs around here. Uh, I think he outweighs Casey.

Rat-Dog, being the "free spirit" he is, doesn't care who he bunks with. If I had a bigger dog bed in here I'd probably find Mugs curled up around him.

Mugs must finally consider himself part of the family. Thank DoG! He IS loved by everyone.

Matt (@RB), Kilo & Mugs shown with the kind permission of Chuck Rusk & Jay Semac

Thanks to Karen Clouston for the Airedale Graphic