As I mentioned earlier this week, today is the final day for Sit, Stay, Speak! -- at least in its current incarnation. Who knows, maybe it will be back some day. But for now, my editors have asked me to spend my time concentrating on other things.

None of this has anything to do with you, the wonderful advocates for animals that you are. So many of you have taught me so much, and shared your personal experiences. I will miss that. I still will be able to do some stories on companion animal trends and product safety issues like pet food recalls, however. And you can contact me any time: 954-356-4295 or dlade@sunsentinel.com.

Sifting through my blog file last night, I came across Jpegs that I have squirreled away over the last eight months -- photos that I thought would perfectly illustrate something I wanted to say at some point, when I could get a minute to post it. Now those minutes are up. Here's the best of what I was saving...

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I met Sami and Danni, 7-year-old littermates, at Tri-County Humane Society in Boca Raton, when I was doing a story on pets left behind when their families lost their homes to foreclosure. Now these two girls have a forever home -- and were adopted together.
I applaud every one of you who has taken in an abdonned pet, and those of you who work tirelessly for animal rescue. Some of you find the patience to foster multiple dogs or cats, which amazes me. You guys are my heroes and heroines.

This poor kitty was left behind when Tropical Storm Fay hit the northern part of Florida. Please remember your pets when you make your hurricane plans next year.

Times are harder, and probably are going to get harder this next year. Your animals still need you to care for them -- and that includes at least basic veterinary care. There are low cost clinics in the area that can help.

Democat or Replicat -- Socks always will be my favorite First Pet, maybe because my Franny looks so much like him. Don't forget to vote next week.

And finally: This is Zack. An fourth-grade elementary school class, who heard that Zack's arthritis kept him from playing and walking with his family, raised money to buy him this wheelchair. That's the amazing thing about the animals that we share this planet with -- they can bring out the very worst but also the very best in us. Here is Zack's letter back to the students:

Dear kids!

Hi, this is Zack from Melbourne, Florida. I am so sorry that I have not written to tell you guys thank you for my cart but my mom has been very busy because my baby has been sick so she was taking care of him.

Now that she has had a chance to take some pictures of me and my new wheels I wanted to send an note to thank you for your generosity. It is such a great thing that you guys are doing by helping handicapped pets.

Some people think that because a pet can not walk that they are not worth having, they tried to tell my mom and dad that because I could not walk that they should not keep me anymore, boy am I glad that they did not listen!

Anyway, things are going okay for me right now, I still have to take medicine twice a day but I am happy that I can take walks again and skateboard with my boy. The new game that my baby likes to play with me is following me around while he is in his walker (and I am in mine) trying to grab my tail! I am really not interested in playing with him until he starts eating "real" food that he can throw down from his highchair for me!

Anyway, thank you again from the bottom of my heart! Keep up the great work that you are doing, hopefully kids like you can help teach the big people in this world a valuable lesson. I hope that you guys had some enjoyment in knowing that you were able to do something kind for someone else (even if that someone else is a furry four legged "person"), sometimes the joy of giving is the best present of all!

With lots of licks! Love, Zack =]

And thank you, SSS! readers, for the gift of your time, attention and support -- and for all you do for our animal friends.
Diane