Our family loves dogs and over the years we have had a few

 but one will always be extra special in my heart.

Savanna  was a beautiful, black labrador- trained to be a show dog,

but her sensitive personality made it difficult for her to perform before crowds.

That failure led to our adopting her as our family pet and

 oh what a precious dog she was for many years.

Her place was usually at my feet whether I was upstairs or downstairs. Right at my feet.

She played with my daughters and they dressed her with doll clothes and

 gave her a part in every activity.

Savanna rode with us in the car and loved the wind blowing on her face

when she put her head out the window.

She lived to the ripe old age of 15 and it was with great sadness that she was laid to rest

 but the lessons I learned from her live on in my heart today.

Fancy tricks are wonderful for a show dog but loving your family is a higher calling.

She truly loved each member of our family in a special way.

Her sensitivity became a marvelous strength in her role as a family dog.

She taught me the importance of being with me.

While many spend their lives doing, doing, and doing more, Savannah gently pressed her wet nose against my leg, curled up contentedly and enjoyed being in my presence.

Lord, help me to learn the value of spending time in your Presence contented to be with you.

Teach me the value of loving one person at a time rather than hungering for the applause of the crowd.

Let me see that what might appear as weakness to some is the greatest strength in the right place.

Help me to be patient with myself and give myself grace.

Yes, so many lessons she taught me and in my heart she lives on.

Thank you, Savanna. You will always be precious to me.