I still remember her carrying around this little toy from McDonalds, it was the little dog Dodger from Oliver and Company. It was her absolute most favorite thing in her entire little world. She LOVED that thing. She'd had it for a really long time, possibly close to a year. She took it with her on a trip to the mall with our family, and as we were leaving, she realized that she didn't have it in her hands anymore. Now, at this time, she was somewhere around 3-4 years old, and to see the look on her face and tears welling up in her eyes was just heartbreaking. Even to me! And I was just about 11 or 12 at that time! I remember my parents going back to every store, retracing every step we took in that place, but to no avail. It was gone and we couldn't find it. She was upset and cried, but it wasn't the "bratty" type of cry. It was a genuine sadness that rose up all the way from the tippytoes of her feet, all the way up to her big brown eyes and overflowed into huge droplets of tears. I think our dad felt guilty, because for quite a while after that day, he tried bringing home all different types and sizes and colors of stuffed dog toys for little girls. She liked them all, but loved none the way she did Dodger. We never did find that little guy, and I've never forgotten it. If there was one thing I could get her for her birthday, it would be that little dog toy from McDonald's. We miss you Dodger, and sis, so sorry your precious little friend was lost that day so many years ago.
