Today, we parted with our dear, sweet, loyal and loving baby girl, Ali. She slipped away quietly after two days of seizures that we could neither arrest or find answers for. She was surrounded by "Dad" and "Mom" and as much love as we could show and possess. Ali has brought us much joy over the years.She joined our family 6 months after we were married, June 16, 1999, when Christinna insisted on a pet. She was so lonely without one, having had one all her life. Since we had differing opinions on the way cats should be housed and trained, we decided on a dog. However,Joe was very adamant that it be a "real" dog, as he likes to put it. So it was a choice of a Boxer or an Akita, again
at Joe's insistance, lol. After a little research at the library we decided that a Boxer would fit our family best and would be a good companion as our family grew since they are reported to be wonderful with children. We rescued her from someone that worked at an animal shelter and couldn't bare to see her put down. She had been found wandering Richmond, Utah and was practically starved to death. When we first arrived to meet her, Joe said "if her name is Ali, she's meant to be our dog". He'd always wanted a boxer named Ali, like Muhammad Ali. Well, after we spent a few moments with her we asked the lady what they called her, and I guess you can figure out the rest :).Time passed and Ali went with us everywhere, shopping trips, vacation, family's homes, camping, 4-wheeling . . . everywhere, just like our child. And since it took us 7 years to have a our son, she truly became like our child in so many ways.
When Christinna did finally get pregnant, Ali took to following her everywhere. In fact now looking back, we should have known just from Ali's behavior and protectiveness that she knew there was a special bundle on the way. Ali never left Christinna's side and after Cooper was born, just like before, Ali would plant herself between "Mom" and Cooper, and any stranger that entered the house. She has been a wonderful protector and has loved us unconditionally. "Dad" has always called her his "Big Baby Girl" and at no time in this life was she ever disposed from that position.
We are so grateful to have had her in our lives. She has been a blessing to our family and we will miss her with all our hearts! Thank you Ali, for your love and devotion. We miss you already!
