The Old Brown Dog

Well now that Kyle is back home we have more bad news that I just haven't been ready to write about. Kinley, the Ol' Momma Dog, isn't with us anymore. We had to put her down this last Saturday. She was hurting really bad and it was just time. Never an easy decision to make. So now the whole family is on the emotional roller coaster of "remember when" and twelve years of tears to follow. We couldn't have asked for a more loving, loyal, caring and protective member of our family. The memories are flooding back. Memories like driving through Fresno when we picked her up as a puppy and seeing the sign for McKinley Ave which gave her a name. Memories of how she use to guard the farm in Modesto from Gary (the owner) who came out every day at 1800 on the dot to feed the cows. Memories of the countless hours of playing catch, hiking, snuggling and riding in the truck. Memories of the nine puppies, eight different houses, four vehicles, four kids, three states and three other dogs. Dispite the continued changes, home for her was always wherever we parked "her truck" out front and walked inside. She was always at the door to greet us, and couldn't wait to "load up" when it was her turn to go. She never judged, not when you were sad, mad, in the wrong or even when you are a terrible hunter. When you were happy, she was happy. When you were sad, she was sad. There was never a teary face left un-licked, a broken heart not comforted or a depressing day not brightened. She was always there, always ready, always loyal, always ready to smother you with kisses (licking). She was a steady companion and will be greatly missed for a long time. Fair winds and following seas Old Brown Doggie. 

In "her truck"

Helping with the homeschooling

"I'm a person. I'm not supposed to be out here"

Licking Wade's ears through the truck window. 

Never happier then when going for a walk. 

Kinley doing what what Kinley did best. Manure spreader. 

She always made a great First Mate no matter how young and crazy the sword wheeling captain was. 

She loved and was loved. 

"Are you going to eat that????"

Adventure is out there! Squirrel!!!!

Happy Doggie!

The old peanut butter to the roof of the mouth routine to get her pills down. 

She is deeply missed. Even by Tug.