Ava passed peacefully over the Rainbow Bridge on May 19, 2022. Her tail was wagging until the very end. She was a beautiful chocolate lab, ours since she was 6 weeks old. We first saw her when she was small enough to fit in my son's hands. She had the softest ears, a gentle disposition and gave the best kisses. She was always a "talker" and had a deep bark that would make anyone pay attention. She was always first to my bedside when I woke in the mornings -- waiting for her back and rear end scratch. She was a constant companion for me, my son and her adopted sister lab, Lola. What a pair -- loved chasing each other around the table, playing tug of war with their favorite toys, both at the gate when we returned home. Her favorite spot in the house was on the stairs landing where she could see out the front and back. She loved her evening walks, peanut butter filled bones, any kind of cookie and crunchy Cheetos shared by my Friday night TV group. She fought her cancer and all the side effects with hardly a whimper. Loved by everyone, gone too soon. "A heart of gold stopped beating, her four big paws at rest. It broke my heart to lose her, but this I know, God only takes the best." I love you, Ava and will carry you in my heart always. Sweet dreams.