katie, ben and lucy

Lake Limestone has been the setting for many of our family’s most enduring memories.  It was on the deck atop the old boat house that I proposed to Katie in 2005.  Later that same year, our family and friends gathered on the shore of the lake to witness the beginning of our marriage.  We have spent countless weekends and holidays enjoying the water, the food and mostly the company.  It has been the site for so much happiness for our family.  However, this weekend, it was once again the setting for one of the saddest days in a dog lover’s life.

At 9:15 AM on Sunday, February 01, 2009, we lost our beloved yellow lab, Dave.  The previous day, he became very sick due to a large tumor in his abdomen, and quickly went downhill with no hope of recovery.  The dog who always wanted to retrieve one more ball finally had to let someone else take over.  He spent his last weekend lying quietly, surrounded by the family that adored him.  We all gathered at the lake house to be with him and to say goodbye.  Thankfully, his passing was very quick and he went peacefully, lying outside, on a beautiful day, facing the lake that he loved so much. 

Most everyone who ever met Dave agreed that he was the best dog they had ever known.  In every way that counts, he was the perfect companion.  He would run, swim and fetch until our arms got sore and we couldn’t throw any more.  When he wasn’t retrieving balls and sticks, he would just jump into the lake, dive down to the bottom, bring up a few rocks and leave them in the yard for us to find.  Indoors, he was perfect as well.  When it was time to sit on the couch and rest, you could always count on Dave to be curled up quietly nearby.  He always had the perfect temperament that complemented every feeling and every moment. 

In January, 2004, we had to say goodbye to our dog Corky.  We buried her along a fence near the house at the lake.  Now, five years later, we buried Dave right next to his old buddy, Corky.  He too will forever be a part of the place that he loved so much.  Though he always played well with the other dogs (and even our evil cat Molotov), he now rests in his favorite place with his own tennis ball that no-one else can steal.  We will forever miss the amazing dog that, for the last thirteen years, filled our carpets with yellow fur, our yard with lake rocks and our hearts with unrelenting love.