My very best friend of all time was Ariel. We shared many good times and I have great memories of her. From her being born and given to me, to her growing up and us learning to respect one another. The things we used to do together were great! Like going out for ice cream, traveling and camping. My best friend and companion, no one and nothing can replace her.
             In the year 1989, a very special dog was born. We shared a lot of special times together. My four-legged friend was a black, white and brown half poodle, half rat terrier. Ariel wasn't the prettiest dog in the world, but she was the cutest to me. She lived to be ten years old.
             Ariel was the best gift I had ever received. My sister, Cindy, gave her to me. I remember one time when Ariel broke her leg. At the time, she was six weeks old. My son, Adam, was running out the door to go play with some friends. When the door slammed, Ariel, who was following him, had the door slam on her leg. Since the poor babe couldn't walk very well with a cast on, I carried her around in a little basket. Everyone got a huge 'kick' out of that.
             Ariel was an extremely well behaved dog. She would rarely leave the yard unless she was on a leash or with the children or me. She would wait at the end of the drive for the school bus each day, just to walk the children to the house. Although she barked at the wind sometimes, she always alerted us when we had company. We all felt safe just having her around.
             Ariel was such a good listener. I would talk to her all the time. Most people probably thought I was crazy. We would talk on long trips, like traveling between West Virginia, Ohio and Texas. She was always my comforter. She knew what I felt, how I felt and was there when I needed a shoulder. Yes, maybe she couldn't really understand, but I always believed she could.
             When Ariel was around, I had someone to keep me company. When it was time for bed,
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