It's with deep sorrow that I announce Dancer's passing. She went peacefully here at home at around 2:15PM, in my arms.

Her absence leaves a huge hole in my life and heart. All Dancer ever needed to be happy was to be near me. My daughter put it best one day recently when I left to get dog food. She sent me a text that said "Man, life just pauses when you walk out that door". Dancer would simply quietly wait for my return, and nothing else.

I knew this would be one of the most difficult things I've ever had to face, and it is. I knew I would feel the total loss and emptiness. What I couldn't anticipate is what it really feels like to lose that kind of love. Dancer truly lived for me, every breath, every move. Her devotion was unequaled. When we went to shows, people used to ask how I trained her to constantly watch me, because it's a highly valued trait. I never trained her to do that - she watched me because she wanted to. She was an amazing dog, and amazing friend. She was a champion in heart and title.

Dancer was born here in this house over 12 years ago. I began her training very early. She knew how to sit and come while she was still nursing. I never really trained her to do anything, I just had to show her what I wanted. Almost everything she did came easy to her. I thought I was a such fabulous dog trainer, and she sure made me look like I was. It wasn't until I trained dogs that came later that I realized it wasn't me that was so amazing. Dancer was nationally ranked as a puppy, and held her own with the top obedience dogs in the country.

My life has been chock full of almosts but Dancer took me all the way and showed me what it was like to shine. She was a complete joy, and it was my honor to share her life with her.

Goodbye for now, my baby girl.

OTCH Shadow Dancer in Blue Genes UDX2 NA NAJ CGC 2/13/1998 - 7/17/2010