Lacey

She had us from the moment we met her, with her loving nature and spunky personality. This photo was taken the day we choose her on July 20, 2007. She was still with her litter at the breeder's and at just over one month old, she barely fit in Kevin's hand. Even as a tiny pup, she stood out. She was the pup who was inquisitive and explored even as the rest of the litter slept quietly. And we fell in love.

She was a happy dog, whose tail never stopped wagging. She never failed to greet us with her beautiful smile, big expectant eyes and wagging tail. Whether we were gone a while or just a few minutes, we were always greeted with her love.

She charmed everyone she met, most especially Baba and Guido who looked after her for a year when Kevin and I lived out of the country. She loved to walk with them, making friends all over the neighbourhood. Lacey taught even the most timid and fearful child that dogs were wonderful.

Our three little granddaughters loved her, and she loved them. She taught them how to be gentle when petting her without ever letting on that they were sometimes being a little too rough. Some of her favourite times were when the girls came to visit - and not just because they left trails of food in their wakes.

Always fond of her treats, Lacey was "food-oriented" and easy to train. We enjoyed our lessons together in obedience and agility. For those who knew her and may not believe it, she passed her lessons with flying colours, although she learned later that if she was selective in her hearing she could sometimes get an extra lick in at the dishwasher or a few more minutes chasing the squirrels.

Always on guard at the patio doors, she would alert us (and Buddy, her best four-legged friend) whenever she saw a squirrel, or a bird, or a leaf, or her reflection, and she would go tearing out the door ready to defend or play. We learned that she slept most soundly at 3:00am when she was in her crate - her own special house with her own personal space - because the little dog reflected in the window slept best that way, too.

And she was a cuddler. Always a cuddler. Not satisfied with just a lap, she would climb right into the best snuggle spot, even if that meant right on the head of a napping person.

She was an amazing dog and a wonderful companion. Rest in peace, dear, dear Lacey.  You will forever be in our hearts.

Lacey - June 16, 2007 to March 30, 2016