Kaitlyn lost her long battle to Breast Cancer (yes dogs get it too) on the evening of May 6th 2010. She was adopted by our son at the age of 6,a brood bitch in a puppy mill until her rescue. When he got her she didn't even know what a treat or a toy was. Through his kindness and the kindness of so many, she blossomed into the most wonderful pet anyone could ask for, always a friend to any person, child, dog or cat she met. She was the perfect example of unconditional love & loyalty. She and her canine sister stayed with us while our son deployed to war. She stayed with us for 2 years. In those years we nursed her through 2 surgeries for the cancer and she seemed to recover well. Kaitlyn even participated in Agility while she was with us and she was 15 at the time. She had many names beside Kaitlyn, all nicknames that described her and her sweet personality. We had her again for some time as our son transferred from one coast to the other and during this time the cancer returned. For as awful as her life was the first 6 years she never took it out on anyone and gave only love to us. We drove them home and were able to stay with her for 2 more weeks. She passed 4 days after we left. Thank you Sweet Kate for all of the joy and love you freely gave to us during your life and the Memories we will always carry. You are still a bright shining star in our hearts. You tried so hard to make us all happy even going so far as to begin running, and herding us and happily barking as we played in the yard the week before you lost your struggle at 2 months short of 18. You had not been able to do that in such a very long time and it is is how we will forever remember you. Thank you for that final gift as its just an example of how much you loved your family. Sleep well Sweet Kate and we will meet again on the Rainbow Bridge.