As some of you may know, our beloved Sparky passed away on April 11, 2009 after 15 happy years. He was the best dog anyone could ever ask for, and everyone who came across him fell in love with him. Losing Sparky was like losing a family member - for myself and my parents Bong and Jamie, as well as our cats, Glynda and Skyler. Having grown up with Sparky, I could not imagine a life without him. He will always be my first dog and have a very special place in all of our hearts.

In memory of our Sparky, I ask that you take a minute to help the amazing organizations that bring us some of our closest friends - PAL, who gave us Sparky; the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, where I recently got my new puppy Riley; and other animal shelters. They save lives and make ours brighter by giving us lifelong companions and family members.

Please visit one of these organizations to adopt a pet or volunteer. If you would like to make a donation to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, please let them know it is in memory of Sparky Gumahad. Or find your own local shelter.

I would like to think that something good can come from all the sadness we have experienced losing our Sparky - and we can help more dogs like him find happy, loving homes for the rest of their lives.

Thank you,

Allison Gumahad and family