This is a sad story. You might want a tissue or two.
Our little chihuahua mix Loki was a pretty remarkable little guy. He was very loyal and loving and protective of his home and his people.
My little boy, who would have been about 6 at the time, heard our two dogs barking at an ottoman we had in the side yard (waiting for the “big garbage” pick up day in our neighborhood). He lifted it up and Loki intercepted the rattlesnake that had been hidden underneath it as it struck at my baby. Loki was injured but he recovered well, and my son walked away without a scratch. My husband killed the snake.
A couple months later, Loki went tearing out into the yard when he heard my other dog barking. A very large coyote had jumped the 8 foot tall block wall surrounding our yard and was chasing down our foxhound! Loki went right after the coyote, which in turn tore him up pretty badly, and then escaped the yard. We got Loki to the vet immediately and were relieved that he had only surface injuries. After the anesthesia wore off, he refused to eat or take his pain pills. We lost him within 24 hours of that attack.
The whole family was devastated. My oldest son and his wife were living with us at the time and mourned with us, too.
This card commemorates the thoughtful way my DIL bought me a Purple Heart with Loki’s name on it. We called him our backyard warrior. Her thoughtfulness was, and still is, so appreciated.
We still miss lil Loki. When I showed my husband this card he got all misty. And knowing @Chr1stchan she probably teared up a bit when she received it, as well. 
the bravest of boys 
