A Childhood Dream Come True, "Pawprints Left By You"

 Once there was a little girl  who was obsessed with the TV Show "Lassie." Her parents bought a stuffed Lassie that she carried with her everywhere,  she was about 2 yrs old. There was a time, when her stuffed Lassie needed a bath,  her parents took her from her and the little one went into a frenzy typical of a child who lost her favorite toy. Her father went out to try and get a replacement while Lassie was being washed, couldn't find one, and brought home "Rin Tin Tin". (For those who are too young to know, that was a German Shepherd also on TV). When "Rin Tin Tin" was presented to the little girl she promptly flung it out of her crib. It wasn't Lassie. From that moment on, her parents knew that there needed to not be one, but TWO back-up "Lassies."

At five, the little girl was delighted that a family moved in across the street who had a dog that looked just like Lassie! (He actually was a Shetland Sheepdog, who to the little girl, WAS LASSIE!!). The little girl would play with the children across the street, mostly to play with their dog, who was named "Dandy." It was then, that her obsession with having a dog that looked just like Lassie and Dandy began.

That dream wasn't fulfilled until 14 years ago. The girl's bonus daughter, called to tell her that an 8 month old Sheltie  named "Tanner", was available. He ended up  joining the family which consisted of the girl,  her husband and their cat, "Cody."

The girl decided that "Tanner" wasn't an appropriate name, so the  girl searched for the perfect name. She had always liked the name "Dakota", she searched the meaning, and discovered that it meant "Trusted Friend" in American Indian. That name was perfect, and "Tanner" became "Dakota."

For 13 years the girl was blessed to have Dakota in her life and her family loved him dearly.

He wasn't like many Shelties, he was on the shy side, kind of "cat-like". He didn't readily accept anyone into his world, but once he did, he loved them with all of his heart.

He didn't like taking walks, not until the last year of his life. During his last year Dakota only wanted to take walks, it was as if he was trying to make up for all of the times that the girl wanted him to take a walk and he wouldn't.

He was fiercely loyal and devoted to his people. He had a way of always knowing when the girl was upset and would shower her with licks and love.

He adored his Dad who adored him back.

 He adored his kitty brother. He passed 9 days after Cody. (While Dakota had cancer on his heart and we knew his time was limited, we are certain Cody's passing expedited Dakota leaving us. The photo below was taken less than a month before they were both gone.)

He never minded being at the Vet. "Dr.Smiley" used to describe him as being "stoic." He took everything at the Vet in stride.

Speaking of "smiles", Dakota ALWAYS had time for a smile!

He loved popcorn, his beloved red, white and blue ball (a Dollar Store find that he cherished, while more expensive dog toys would sit unused). He loved Greenies, and knew that at 6pm every day he would get one.

He was one of 6 blogging dogs who were Brand Ambassadors for Rachael Ray Nutrish for four years. (He actually began  eating Nutrish approximately 3 years before ever representing their brand)

Dakota was the first dog the girl ever had. He fulfilled her childhood dream. 

Dakota had the most gentle spirit, he was sensitive, loving and sweet dog. He was Quirky. Fun. Silly. A thief. A barker. A watchdog. "A TRUSTED FRIEND."

Dakota passed a year ago today at approximately 6:30pm. He was surrounded by love. "Dr.Smiley and his assistant, Jessica, came to our home to help him cross the bridge. He fought leaving with everything he had, he even got up and moved away, he didn't want to leave. He didn't want to leave the people he loved. He wanted to stay. He knew how badly we needed him. He KNEW his "girl" was heartbroken.  That "girl" you all know is me.......I held him on my lap, cried into his fur, pet him gently and thanked him. I thanked him for all of the love, laughs, barks, licks and love that he blessed our lives with for 13 years. With all he gave to us, we could say "thank you" forever and it wouldn't be enough.

Minutes after Dakota passed a yellow butterfly appeared on our balcony, I spotted it  flying by the patio door right in the room where he passed. I knew it was HIM. He had to peek in one last time before he went and joined Cody.

To our precious Dakota, there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you or mention you with love. Daddy and I still love you with all of our hearts and miss you. You will never, ever be forgotten. Thank you for 13 wonderful years......we were blessed to share our lives with you. Love Always, Mom and Dad.