I still think of Keesha often, especially at Christmas. I remember the time she was watching me bake Christmas cookies. I had to go downstairs for something and she stood at the top of the stairs and watched me. The second I turned the corner downstairs, I heard paws hit the cookie pan. Keesha ate about 6 raw cookies off the pan. What a stinker, she waited until I went around the corner. I loved having her in the kitchen with me. Miss her so much.

Keesha was more like a human than a dog. She was with us since 6 weeks old and outlived the normal age for her breed. She was the most loving, caring dog ever. Always giving kisses, snuggling, head wrestling, etc. Her tail wagged all the time no matter if she was well or not feeling well.

She loved to swim, fetch, ride in the boat and the car. She loved to dig holes in the sand on the beach, then sit in the hole. She also loved to slam doors, which was hilarious. Her favorite spot in the house was the bathroom, which she often would kick you out of.

When she was a puppy, she chewed videotapes, slippers, disposable razors, raw potatoes, the feet on my oak bearclaw table, and even the drywall. She went into the water on a trip to Canada, during the time when there was algae in the water. I was so sure I would have a green labrador for life. We promptly took a shower and she was back to her beautiful yellow coat.

Keesha would stay by us when one of us was ill, sitting right nearby and providing love and comfort. She spent the last 2 years going to daycare each day when mom and dad went to work. Everyone at daycare loved her and they miss her as much as we do. Everyday, they would tell us the silly things Keesha did.

I would take vacation days from work just to spend time with Keesha, and when I worked closeby, would stop at home everyday to eat lunch with her. She has been my constant companion and always listened to whatever I had to say.

Keesha loved us unconditionally and has always been there for us. We miss her terribly, especially me, mom. My heart is broken and I truly believe she is now in a place where she has no more pain or sickness. It will take a long time for me to get past the pain. I could have swore I heard her bark the night we left her side for the last time. I think she was telling me she is ok and happy.

We will pick up her ashes on Thursday, and I hope this will give some comfort. I know she will be with us always, and watching over us.