R.I.P. Sweet Dixie Dog

My sweet 13 year old Blue Heeler, Dixie, was layed to rest Tuesday evening. She has been with me since she was 9 weeks old and I was a junior in college at Texas A&M. She was my first pet, and I know that I will never have another as special as her. She pretty much went everywhere with me. She protected me for years when I lived by myself after college. She was so smart, and I swear she understood everything that I would say to her. She was also very special to my Mom, who she had a close bond with her as well. She loved frisbee, chasing squirrels, playing tug-of-war, sleeping at the foot of my bed (until Jamey came along!), eating any people food that I would give her (especially spaghetti sauce, bacon, broccoli, and popcorn), and guarding her special place (her bed in my walk-in closet). I know that there will forever be a void in my heart that no other pet will ever fill. She was truly that once-in-a-lifetime companion. I will miss her dearly.