Katie

Today was a very sad day in our family, as Katie, our beloved greyhound, passed away. Katie has been a wonderful part of our family for the past nine years, and I am still is shock that she is no longer with us and that I won't see her when I come home. While I am feeling extremely sad right now and haven't been able to stop crying yet, I know Katie had such a wonderful life with our family, full of unconditional love and joy.  She was such a beautiful dog who always made us smile and laugh!

I have so many wonderful memories of Katie. I loved watching her run around the backyard, rub up against the bushes, and sunbathe. I loved how she would go crazy when she got a new toy, or how she would always get excited when we brought bags full of anything into the house. I loved how she would jump up and down in excitement when Dad came home from work, and how she would watch out the window for him. I love how Lizzie and I would dance with her or put a blanket on her and call her a shepherd. I loved the Katie "voice".  I loved how she would sometimes wake Mom or Dad up from a nap with a loud bark directly in the face if she wanted something. I loved how sometimes we would try to protect her tail when she was wagging it really hard so it wouldn't break. I loved how she would taunt the dogs next door by running back and force along the fence while they would bark at her.  I loved her white face and white feet.  I loved how after she would drink water that she would drip it across the floor.  I loved how when she had muddy paws, she would stand there patiently and lift her paws up while we dipped them in water or wiped them off.  I loved it when she would watch tv with us, and sometimes she would be laying down awkwardly, so we would put a blanket underneath her neck as a cushion, and that would be just right. I loved how she always had to be in the lead on her walks, and if you were ahead, she would trot to catch up. I loved how when she wanted her belly rubbed or you stopped for just a second, she would tap you with her paw to remind you to keep going.  And lastly, I loved how she enjoyed stealing shoes when she wanted attention, and as she walked past you, she would give you the greatest look ever.  There are many other things I loved about her, but I feel like I should leave the list as is.

While she was alive, I intended to make Katie the star of her own music video, so last summer I captured some extra footage of her. Although I don't have much, I am thrilled to have what I do, since it is obviously too late now.  Some of the content, especially the photos, are very old. Some of the content  comes from some of the silly videos Lizzie and I made last summer. Also, the video ends with a song I wrote for a lullaby scholarship contest I participated in two years ago. While I had no intention of sharing it when I created it, I feel like it is fitting now, given the circumstances.

We love you so much Katie! My family and I were so lucky to have you in our lives, and we will miss you greatly. You will forever have a place in our hearts.