Kita was a miracle dog -- she lived to be nearly 17 years old! She was a rescue whose first owners abused her terribly, leaving her with psychological damage she never truly got over.  I pulled this mean, barking dog from the pound and took her home; there was just something about her eyes.  Over the next 15 years, we grew up together.  We played hard, got married, walked for thousands of miles all over our Los Angeles neighborhood and went on many road trips -- she was definitely a car-dog. We didn't think she'd survive the move to Colorado, but she never seemed to mind the altitude or the weather. Her arthritis made it harder and harder to enjoy the yard she'd finally gotten, but she still loved driving in the car with us, and sat right next to me getting lots of rubs and kisses while I worked or watched TV. 

This dog was my heart and soul, and every decision was made with her first in mind, and that included keeping her happy and as healthy as possible for her final months.  She wasn't very mobile at the end, and a terrible bladder infection finally made us all realize it was time for her to fly. It was our pleasure to know her and love her for all those years, and to tend to her in her senior years -- what a wonderful experience, truly.  We were so lucky to have her that long and I miss her every minute of every day.  But there are two things I know:  she loved us as much as we loved her, and she's off and running again.  Look out, squirrels!

We love you, Kitabear --
The Cartwrights