We adopted Luna from Oldies but Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Fairfax Virginia in 1997. Ms. Debbie Reitz was fostering her at her home. When she brought Velvet (our Luna) out she we noticed her sweetness right away. We were told that Velvet had been rescued with her sister Satin – both of whom had been seriously neglected by their owner. Velvet had never known human affection and had been living outside all of her life with several other dogs, exposed to all of the elements. The groomer needed wire cutters to cut the mats off of her body. But as soon as all of Velvet’s and her sister’s hair grew back they were named “Velvet and Satin” because their coats were so beautiful and silky smooth.

When we drove her home from Fairfax to Washington, DC for a weekend trial we noticed a very strange smell coming from her. Upon further examination we noticed that she didn’t have many teeth left in her poor little mouth. Luna, our chosen name for her, was extremely shy and withdrawn for the first several months. She seemed disassociated emotionally. But while she had never known human affection, she must have sensed something good because from the first night she insisted on sleeping on our bed!

Although Luna hated to go outside, the best part of her day was to go for a walk. She seemed slightly disturbed to be walked on a leash, something she had never done before, but she LOVED to run into other dogs. Seeing Labradors especially, she would be catapulted into a state of sheer joy and her spirit would shine – tail wagging and some serious sniffing. Then when we would return home she would sit on the corner of the sofa and sleep timidly. She never barked nor made any noises.

It took about six months for Luna to grow to enjoy our company. We think she started to like the treats, the massages and the cuddling. Soon she started to get excited when we would come in the door. Eventually, she became a true lap dog. Luna also discovered her ‘voice’ and would give warning barks when strangers came to the door.

Luna was the absolute sweetest canine girl we have ever known. She was not only aesthetically beautiful, but she had the gentlest spirit.

Luna traveled with us from Washington, DC to Baltimore, and spent her golden years with us in Seattle. She became a little senile, deaf, had a heart murmur, arthritis, cataracts, and struggled with incontinence. But her spirit still shined as brightly as ever. It seemed she grew to truly enjoy life and the company of us, her family, and even became a grandmother to our human daughter.

When we adopted Luna the vets thought she was anywhere from six to eight years old. We believe she was 14 when she died.

Luna Petunia – our Spaniel Girl –our Beauty Queen. Thank you for all of the joy you brought to us.

You are sorely missed.

We love you,

Dot, Keiko, Makie, McDuff, Bubble and Chai Chai.