Arlo's life seemed to have more than its share of illness. He had a navel infection which kept the breeder from selling him with the rest of the litter, and allowed us to adopt him from her after his recovery. He suffered from allergies as a puppy and had two ruptured discs at three and seven years of age. After the second ruptured disc, one of his back legs was paralyzed. The vet recommended complete crate rest rather than put him through surgery. Arlo was confined to his crate without complaint for a couple of months while the injury healed. It was a proud day when I walked into the vets office three months later with Arlo by my side for his exam with no paralysis. At the age of twelve, Arlo suffered two strokes and began to have siezures. I was so sure that he would not be with us much longer that I bought a plot for him in a pet cemetery, and a friend built him a handcrafted casket. Arlo recovered and lived four more years. Those four years are the most precious to me. As he grew older, it seemed his unique individuality shown even more brightly in a calm serenity and nobility. I will always cherish the love and trust he showed and the companionship he so freely gave. The most wonderful gift that he gave me during those years was an increased respect and love for all living things.