Thanks for the Memories

I've been trying to put this into words for two days now, but each time I've tried I haven't been able to finish it. So here goes.

Kaleb was a dog who taught me a thousand lessons. In the short two years I knew him I learned to live, love, relax, and enjoy every moment for what it is. He was the poster dog for living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute of it. He taught me to be impulsive and that even if it all crumbles that it's okay, smile and make the best of it. Most of all he encouraged forced me to develop a sense of humour. That first time Sarah let me run him, I knew I was in for a ride. He had his own idea of what he's supposed to do, and a lot of the time those ideas differed from what I wanted him to do.

How can I love a dog that isn't mine so much? I remember the first time I met him. Rude, pushy, slimy and loud. With one lick he could manage to slobber half my face. The first time he met Izzie he gingerly licked her ear and backed away remembering a certain other little light coloured dog wouldn't take to kindly to that. Once he knew Izzie wouldn't bite him, he loved her. Licking her ears and air humping. Oh Kaleb. Izzie loved him anyway, I imagine that's the only reason she put up with him. Even if he was wary of Pugs after my parents' dogs went after him, I don't think Izzie ever stopped loving her big black buddy.

I'll never forget when Sarah asked me to check in on Jane when she and Pete had to be out of town. He greeted me at the door with his "Izzie" in his mouth. Totally adorable. His adorable puppy-dog eyes staring at me like "oh you're not my mama but you'll do just fine!" I wasn't sure he was going to let me leave, he kept bringing me any toy he could find and soliciting love. 

Then there was the summer that I'll never forget. I am so glad that I was able to make the trip to the FCRSC Specialty in Abbotsford. I cannot express how grateful I am to have been a part of what ended up being his last specialty show and his last swim in the ocean. It might sound cheesy but that trip changed my life. It really did. It was rather impulsive for me, full of firsts. I became a pro at the "dammit Kaleb!" exclaimation, got many snuggles, played many rounds of UFC with him, met so many new people and got to know a few better because of him. I'm so happy it happened. To witness his wins, the JAM, the love and connection between him and Sarah. It makes me tear up just thinking about the great time we had on a trip all for my buddy boy. 

I loved that dog, and jeeze what a dog he was, he was one of a kind. That eternal smile, his loving yet mischievous personality. He will never be forgotten or replaced. A dog like Kaleb leaves a huge hole in your heart that will take a long time to heal. How lucky we all are to have loved him. 

Kaleb, you were an amazing dog. I will cherish every memory I have of you in the short two years I knew you. It still doesn't feel real. I still feel like I'm going to go out to the agility field and have you mooch all my cookies. I'll never forget the life lessons you taught me or that cute bubba gump lip of yours. Say hi to Janers and Tag and the rest of them for us. You are very missed. 

Kaleb died of Lymphoma. This terrible disease is one of the most common forms of cancer in canines. Anyone reading this, educate yourself on the signs and symptoms and observe and put your hands on your dogs regularly to be able to catch any changes early. Please consider donating to CLEAR by clicking the logo below. CLEAR is a nonprofit organization looking to increase awareness of canine lymphoma and it is a great resource for information on the disease as well as prevention and treatment.