Kate

Kate was put to rest this afternoon.

I miss her already.

Kate was one of a kind, and will be greatly missed. She was never an easy dog but I loved her so much. Kate spent most of her life as a family dog- on the couch, under our feet, with plenty of walks, summer swims, and camping trips. We did Obedience and Agility but only because I asked her- not because she loved it. She retired early and spent the last 5 years as my parents constant companion.

Kate was a dog that taught me so much. She had many issues as a young dog including intense seperation anxiety. By five years old she had jumped out of windows, chewed through wooden doors, and broken most of her teeth. She was nothing if not determined. Despite her issues, and maybe because of those issues, I loved her like no other. We learned about dog training together, and she helped me become the person I am today.

She aged gracefully and up until a year ago was always the same silly dog. She loved to fetch, and could pop a tennis ball in under a minute. She liked to sleep on her back, and roll around on the bed in the morning. She loved her walks, and would run just for the sake of running. She was a dog that lived in the moment. This past year her age caught up to her I have been keeping a watchful eye on her condition. Just yesterday I had made her final vet appointment for this weekend. This morning I got a call from my parents. As with everything else in her life Kate did this on her own terms.

I thought that because she was an old dog, that it would be easier. Sam was so incredibley difficult, I thought that this would be different. It is different, but still so hard. Carrying her into the vet clinic, and then later giving her the final kiss broke my heart.

I have loved many dogs, and lost only a few, but I don't think it ever gets any easier to lose them. I know that with time my heart will heal- I will never forget her, but thinking of her will be easier. She was a pretty incredible dog, and for now I will cry for her.