I've thought a lot about postponing writing my Keisha's (aka; Keishi, Keish,, KeishiBear) and then I started thinking about how long we've been a part of the RB, how much it has grown and how much it helped both of us when we needed extra love and, support and help.

I am so thankful for finding this group, my friends and all of the furbabies from the largest to the smallest, especially my dear friend Jane who reached out and shed some tears with me when I said goodbye to my Keishi.

These friends, the furbabies and Keishi have left "fingerprints" in my life. Thank you . We understand each other and the many challenges we've faced and sent lifelines to each other when a lifeline is needed. My SOS post to the group and our dear friend Wiggly's experience saved Keishi's life three years ago.  Someone else's suggestion about having a vet tech baby-sit Keishi when Carli got married. allowed me to enjoy our daughter's wedding knowing Keishi was in good hands.

As sad as it is to say goodbye, I think that Keishi and many of the other furbabies should be a real sign of hope. Keishi was diagnosed over five years ago and until the past six months enjoyed her life, went on trips, gave tremendous amounts of love and kisses to everyone and was able to live well into her senior years.

Maybe we should have a "Way to go" list. There are so many that have reached remarkable milestones, in spite of having diabetes! When you consider that many vets still don't know how to deal with this, it is truly a milestone!

From the very first day Carli, Gigi and I brought Keishi home, Keishi was known as "mommy's girl". My bedframe still has the scratch marks from when she was so tiny and so determined  to hop up in bed next to me.  Throughout her life she left her "scratch marks" on everyone's hearts. My mother still remembers how Keishi jumped up next to her and tried to cover her when Hurricane Charlie hit here a few years ago. 

Whenever KC (aka Houdini, the great escape artist) broke free from our house, we always took Keishi out to find him and he'd always follow her home.

There was never a better welcoming committee than Keishi when Carli and Gigi would come to visit. We had a ritual. Leave the suitcases in the car and go immediately into the house so that an out-of-control Keeshond could kiss them to death!

Keishi was with me during some of the best of times and the worst of times. There really isn't anything that can replace holding onto a loving furbaby when you just need a little extra love, a hug and time to think.

The best decision we made two years ago was bringing home an extra small, cute multipoo. After the initial "what is this"  stage, Keishi loved being a big sister to Milo and Milo simply adored his Keishi I have a large photo on my desk that I sent with our Xmas cards a few years ago and whoever said "a picture is worth a thousand words" had that one right! Anyone that doubts that the furbabies "feel" emotions just needs to look at that picture and you instantly know how much Milo loved Keishi.

We were simply blessed to have had her as part of our family for such a long time. When you treasure and love someone so much you take extra measures to take care of them, protect them and tuck them into a safe place when they need  it.

On February 28, 2007, I tucked my beloved Keishi away in the safest place I could find - with her many friends at the bridge and forever in my heart.

Thank you again for your love and support and helping give us over five more years to share with our precious KeishiBear.

Bonnie, Michael, Carli, Gigi, KC & Milo