By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

There were many things in life Misty greatly enjoyed... and a few things she equally disliked - including baths! In fact, Misty was so scared of getting the occasional flea bath and shampoo that she would literally cry like a young child. Her fear and distress were so intense that instead of just "dipping" her as many people would, Mark or I would put on our bathing suits and get into the bathtub with Misty. She would cling dearly to us, but by gently speaking to her and slowly sponging Misty down with warm water we would make it through her annual bath and shampoo together. I can't say Misty actually enjoyed the experience, but as long as we were willing to be in there with her, she could make it through the ordeal without complete panic taking over.

Misty tried to be there for us, too. Her companionship was a most treasured part of our lives and whenever we think of her, we feel very blessed. Come to think of it, whenever we think of any of our good friends, we feel blessed. Sometimes we have been the ones our friends leaned on (or clung to) for support during the rough times. Sometimes we were the ones to reach out to our friends for help. Although the circumstances may vary considerably, cherished friends are always a blessing in both good times and bad.

--- © Jeanette M. Pintar, Inspired by Misty