It's me again, your favorite (or perhaps just the most persistent) professional fundraiser asking you once again to give me money.

I'm raising money for the Lewis and Clark Humane Society Team Dog (yet again). Because - I'm not sure if you know this or not - I'm a pretty dedicated dog person.

This time around, I wanted to highlight little Benny and everything he's done for me. He's a menace, to be sure, but he also unknowingly pulled me out of what seemed like bottomless grief. I always said I didn't want another dog, and a sure as hell didn't want a puppy. I just couldn't do it again.

But I think Tony, wherever he is, knew better. Call it whatever you want to, but I firmly believe Tony had a hand in bringing Benny to me and Ryan. This was his way of saying "I know loving me could be a lot. I know you gave me everything you had. I know what you sacrificed to give me the life I deserved. Now it's your turn. Take this little guy and mold him and love him and give him the chance I never had."

Benny does so many little things that remind me of Tony. But he also gave me somewhere to put my grief and channel it into something good. The hole never really goes away, but Benny allowed me to finally let my heart to grow around it. I always told Tony he belonged among the wildflowers, I think this is way of saying, "So do you, mom".

Anyway, now that I've made myself cry, please take a moment to donate to the link below to my favorite place in the whole world in memory of Tony, in honor of Benny, in honor or in memory of the dog(s) who have changed your life for the better, or because you pity me. It would mean a lot to me if you did