Harlee by Jeff and Chrissy Curto

Special days call for remembering special moments with our families and friends, those who are here with us, and those who are gone. This is one memory that recalls Harlee, the dog who I shared most of my life's adventures, who stole my heart and the hearts of everyone she met.

There are so many stories I would like to tell that it seems picking just one leaves so many out: the sloppy kisses, the champion frisbee catcher, the water dog splashing happily in Norwich lake, the great listener, the shivering wreck during a thunderstorm, and the official greeter at home, always happy to see you no matter how long you had been away. When Chrissy came into our lives, Harlee welcomed her unconditionally as part of our family.

She slept on the bed like the Sphinx, guarding us against the dark evils of night in exchange for our solemn promise to protect her from the evils of the day. Unfortunately, the time came when we couldn't keep that promise. Struck down with inoperable lymphoma, I had to make the hardest decision of my life, and say "goodbye" to my dearest friend.

Chrissy and I have made a donation represented by the wrist bands given out at our wedding , in the hope that greater medical research can be done to prevent others from someday having to make the same painful choice that we had to make .

Thank you,
Jeff and Chrissy Curto