Tribute to my friends...

"Tasha" was a huge part of my family growing up.  We had a lot of fun and I will forever hold her in my heart.  Tasha heard many of my dreams and secrets as she was my best friend.  I believe I was about 10 years old and had her until my sophmore year in college (1983-1993). I still to this day have her collar that she had on her when she journied into the woods for the last time.  Her spirit is in Pine Ridge, Kentucky.

"Dakota" was the first lab I bought as my very own while I was in college in 1994.  He lived a great life being on my parents farm in Kentucky and eventually became my dad's best friend.  Dakota was rarely tied up and had free reign of 137 acres.  He sired 22 puppies with "Montana" and was the father to "Jake". He was a part of our lives and will be so missed.  I put him down on March 6, 2009.  As the vet put him to sleep I held his head and leg and whispered "I love you and I am so sorry".  Dakota made an impact on so many lives and as my dad said "he was more than a dog".  That night as I slept on my parents couch I swear I could hear him barking.

"Montana" was named for my dream to one day visit the state.  She was a faithful dog and a good mom to her pups.  Montana is still talked about throughout our family as if she is laying out in the yard.  Montana had to be put down because of severe skin problems that was causing her to live an unfulfilling life.

"Jake" was born in 1996 and started as my son's dog. When we moved out of state we didn't have the heart to take him away from the farm and his dad.  Jake died last year (2008) from an injury we believe to be from a car.  Thanks to my sister for the effort in trying to get to him and get him help before he passed.  He died on the creekbed on Journey's End Farm.