In Memoriam

 Nikkita Belle Von Harvard: "Kita"

(6/1/2001 - 11/16/2009)  Kita was our first Dobie and the reason we fell in love with the breed.  Kita was a nurturer in the truest sense of the word, and her gentleness and quiet ways had a great calming effect on all of us. She loved adventure---hiking, taking walks and bike rides, chasing cats, playing with Mack and our son, catching spiders and flies. But, she also loved the simple things too---the joy of sitting quietly with her head in a lap, laying still to soak up the rays of the sun, and gently nuzzling a hand to be petted. As she looked at you with her big, soft brown eyes you felt loved, needed, appreciated, and calmed. Kita was a "velcro dog" in every sense---needing love and affection as often as she could get it. Yet, it was satisfying to be near her and pet her, because in your heart you knew that you needed Kita as much as she needed you.  Kita passed away from an undetermined infection at age 8 years, 5 months.  It broke our hearts to lose her.  RIP, beloved Kita.  We miss you. 

Michaelangelo, CGC, Personal Protection Level II: "Mack"

(6/27/2007-11/13/2016) The phrase "Gentle Giant" only scratches the surface when describing Mack.  He was such a sweet, gentle, patient, loving boy!  He was extremely compliant, obedient, good-natured, and quick to show affection.  He had a calm, balanced personality: a happy, "go with the flow" kind of guy.  He loved to play ball, had the best nose around when it came to searching for hidden things, and was a half marathon running dog buddy.  Extremely intelligent and with a very long memory, he always knew what was going on, where all the toys were, where all the people were, and what should be happening in the house every hour of the day.  He loved to take naps...anywhere and everywhere...but was ready at the drop of a hat to go for a jog, play with a friend, meet someone new, or clean up that sandwich that just happened to get left on the counter.  Mack was very patient and cautious with puppies, gently teaching them how to play ball, climb the stairs, or what toys they could or couldn't play with.  He was truly the best mentor for puppies around!  Mack was a valuable companion.  He was intensely loyal and devoted to his family and choosey about who he gave his attention and affection to outside the family.  However, once Mack determined that you were a friend worth investing in, he'd love you for life!  Mack lived a happy, pampered life as a beloved family member.  It is still hard to imagine life without our Big Mack!  Mack passed away from a Grand Mal Seizure at age 9 years, 4 months.

 

Anya Belle, CGC: "Anya"

(12/21/2009 - 5/27/2014) Anya Belle, CGC, unexpectedly and tragically passed away at age 4.5 due to a ruptured intestine, May 27, 2014.  She was still young, strong, and full of an intense love for life. Her loss has been deeply felt by our family.  We miss her everyday and are so grateful for every moment we were blessed to have this beautiful, fun-loving girl in our lives.

Ivana, CGC: "Ana"

(03/22/2011-12/06/2017) Ivana, "Ana," was a very loving, sensitive, and loyal to those she cared about, especially kids. The ultra velco Dobie, Ana had a very friendly and happy temperament, loved to play, loved to be loved, and was eager to please. 

Ana succumbed to the effects of breast cancer 12/06/2017 at age 6 years, 9 months.  She had also recently been diagnosed with occult DCM, but was doing well on medication.  We miss her sweet, steady, quiet presence dearly!

Snow Springs Cassie Rey 

(01/31/2019-07/08/2019) Our sweet and sassy pick of the litter girl passed away at age 5 months due to a fast and ferocious case of pneumonia. Her loss broke our hearts.

There is a sacred bond that happens when you hold one of God's special creations when she takes her first breath. And then, what a sacred heartbreak when you hold that same beautiful creation when she takes her last breath.

Cassie was full of life, spirit, joy, intelligence, and beauty. She lived each day to its fullest and found joy in everything she did. The only regret about Cassie's life is that it could not be saved and lived longer. We comfort, however, in knowing that in her 5 short months Cassie only ever knew love, joy, laughter, encouragement, and the closeness of family and friends. Her life was full!

I will miss her ravaging kisses! I will miss her snuggles and hugs. I will miss how much fun we had together playing fetch. I will miss her silly antics and watching her romp with her momma Rey in the yard. I mourn the hopes and dreams I had for our life together which now cannot be. But, I will forever be grateful for her giant, loving soul which made a 4-toed imprint in my heart which time can never erase.

Run free, my sweet Cassie Rey! Go find Mack and Kita, Anya and Ivana. They will play with you and take care of you until we are together again! RIP sweet girl!