We lost a great companion on Friday. Our super awesome dog, Zoey, passed away due to a heart complication (cardiomyopathy). She was just over 6 years old ( 05-04-2005 to 06-10-2011).

She was diagnosed two weeks ago, and we knew what to expect. It was terribly sad to see her in such poor shape, however, I’m glad I had two weeks to hug her, feed her delicious food, and tell her that I love her.

As sad as it is right now, as I’m still getting choked up when I see her leash hanging on the garage side door, or when I’m watching a movie on the couch and I still think I can hear her snuffling and breathing, this is the time to reflect on what a great time we had with her.

Zoey flew from Mulberry Arkansas to Oakland CA, where Michele picked her up. This was her fist good scurbbin’. She was 6 weeks old, this was June of 2005.

Relaxing in the pool on a hot August day.

Zoey was instantly a great sleeping companion. She had quickly established the couch as her favorite place to stay.

Still there…

Now I will begin the photographic presentation of why I say she was the most laid back dog EVER. This dog put up with everything:

Getting her nails painted…

Some face decoration by Caralyne…

Caralyne made her wear a shirt. It was a colder night and she needed the extra layer.

Getting buried alive

I don’t even know what this was supposed to be, but as always, Zoey played along.

Lets not put all the blame on Caralyne. Michele made her dress up too:

Probably the only time I was terrified of Zoey. She was a bee her first Halloween.

See, she’s pollinating some flowers in the front yard.

Hey there Santa’s little helper!

I had my own involvment in testing Zoey’s patience. I did after all, bring home a little furry bundle of fury:

He was so excited he was biting his own leg. Zoey has a great pleading look :)

She loved it though. They had a lot of fun

This was one of the last little hikes we got to go in with both of them.

Off lead, I know, but they did a great job and no one was around.

Zoey will continue to live on in our hearts and memories, and her impact on our family will not be taken for granted. As an “adult”, this was the first time in my life I’ve had to experience and become completely responsible for the spectrum of dogs life. Part of that makes it harder to accept the hardship of being a dog owner, but it also instills a greater appreciation for her life.

I’ll miss her.

Goodnight Zoey, Sweet dreams.

http://m87-blackhole.org/photos/Zoey