Keeley

Sandy and Keeley

Keeley's Memorial Fund This story is about an incredible black lab named Keeley and how her 6 short years on this earth touched so many lives.

I started a pet sitting business in spring of 2002 and at the same time got a beautiful, bouncy girl 9 weeks old. By the time Keeley was 4 months, she became my pet-sitting partner and was with me 24/7 for the 6 years following. She also introduced me to a variety dog sports (agility, obedience and canine freestyle). Most importantly, she was certified by 6 months as a pet therapy dog and we spent many incredible hours together bringing smiles and joy to both young and old. This was where she really shined.

With absolutely no warning whatsoever, Keeley became gravely ill in June of 2008 and by the 11th of July, we lost her. It was such a nightmare, I couldn't believe it was happening. During the time I spent with her, by her side every single minute while she fought courageously to overcome her lymphoma, I also spent some time reflecting on her life and all that she meant to me and my family. She was my heart after all, by very best friend. Keeley was a gift to us, every single day of her life and we were so very fortunate to have had her for all the days that we did.

She taught us so very much, even in her last 4 weeks of what was really important and special in this world. I struggled with the "why", but I know it is not our place to question God's will. I was just thankful that He gave her to us for the time we had with her. She taught us how to live simply and be grateful for every minute of every day, how to give without expecting anything in return, and how to love unconditionally for the sake of seeing us happy and to bring joy to so many that knew her. We were so extremely proud of her and all the lives she touched. We know she was with us for a divine purpose other than just to be our sweet dog, we know how truly lucky we were.

She was a once in a lifetime angel, our baby girl.

Right after Keeley passed, as I coped with my grief, I wanted to do something to honor Keeley & what her life represented- whole-hearted giving.

That wish became reality when the memorial fund idea was born & was the most amazing effort I've ever undertaken. This fund I established to help other pet owners' whose dogs had cancer, was funded by many of you with such generosity. In just a few short weeks, I was in receipt of donations of $2,000.00 that I subsequently awarded to 4 chosen families and their dogs.

The 1st dog I chose (Boo) belongs to one of my dearest friends and founder of PAWS For People, the pet therapy group that Keeley and & volunteered for since 2005. The other 3 dog families I met during Keeley's final few weeks when I was blessed to find an amazing holistic veterinarian, Judith Shoemaker of Always Helpful Veterinary Services. She gave us such understanding and insight into Keeley's health and our part in her cancer journey. During my frequent visits to Always Helpful, Keeley & I were treated with dignity & respect giving my heavy heart much peace.

They helped me select the families that needed assistance, and facilitated my meeting them to present them with a check. The experience touched me like nothing else ever has in my entire life. Finding Dr. Shoemaker and her staff were one of the incredible gifts that helped me get through Keeley's inevitable passing. You can read about the practice on page 5 of this newsletter. They have so much to offer in terms of complementary care and alternative modalities.

I am extremely grateful for all they've done for us. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. William Arthur Ward.