In Memory of Kramer

I don't usually post twice in a day but I really want to pay tribute Kramer, a very special dog and former family member. Jenelle's (Jeremy's sister) service dog, Kramer, ended his 13 year life this morning. He spent 10 years in service then his last 2+ years were spent in retirement. He was a typical lab but he was not a typical dog. He was more to our family than a pet, he was truly a contributing family member. He will be greatly missed!

In honor of Kramer:

Puppy kisses for Leif

Young Kramer was very playful

Jenelle, Jeremy and Kramer posing in front of Shell Falls in WY

Greg, Jenelle, and Kramer at Shell Falls

That same summer we picnicked at a lake and Kramer got to do one of his favorite things: swim

Here's Kramer swimming while Jenelle is kayaking alongside him.

Christmas family photo 2004

Christmas 2004 Kramer loved to help open presents and tear through the paper

Kramer was trained to lay under tables during meals and he got comfy at my wedding and stretched out under our table. You can see his head sticking out in the bottom left hand of the pic.

Our wedding Oct 2005 Johnson family photo

Kramer helped us all get ready before the wedding

He looked very debonaire in his tux

Then Kramer had a good time with us in the limo on the way to the reception

Christmas 2008 Leif, Celia and Kramer playing with wrapping paper

I'm Still Here

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

I am thinking about you and your family right now, Jenelle. It's always hard to lose a pet but somehow it seems like this is more of a loss. Kramer touched so many lives and so many people that I love and deeply care for. I am eternally grateful to Kramer for what he's brought to my life and the lives of those I love and some that I've never met. That is how I will always remember him. I love you, Jenelle, Greg, Leif, and Kramer.