Nearly fourteen years ago the Summit County Humane Society had an approximately two years old cute and very thin Shepherd-Akita mixed dog with snow on his nose that caught Therese's attention. Therese and Kirby knew what they were doing because we brought him home and he turned out to be the most wonderful dog a family could have. He was fantastic with kids and adults alike. He was fluffy and always open to being hugged and petted, even putting his paw over your arm so you wouldn't stop. He was extremely active loving to walk, and when we'd let him, run off the leash at schools and parks, chasing squirrels, deer, etc. He was quite athletic for a 90-pound dog, even jumping out the car window once when he saw a groundhog while we were stopped at a traffic light. So it was difficult to see him slow down the last few years, his walks getting shorter and shorter as his hips/back and stomach issues became worse. What he never stopped doing was loving us. We did one of the most difficult things there is to do today, having the vet come to our home to put him down. We knew we needed to do it to relieve him from further pain and discomfort, especially with winter ice, etc. forthcoming. As only dog people know, the loss is enormous, crying as I write this. We miss him so much already! At the same time, we take solace in knowing that he is no longer in pain and hoping that he is now running in doggy heaven. As my mom said, he's gone but not forgotten. Kirby - we will always love you. We pray that you rest in peace. Love always, David and Therese