Kasper was much more to our family than a pet. He was was like our first child. We loved him and that love was returned 100 fold. He came to our family on June 7th 2002. Brandon my husband wanted to get me a dog so I would not be alone while he was working and finishing school. He was gone long hours and didn't feel right about me being alone. We had our choice of two little Miniature Schnauzer pups. There was no doubt in our mind which one we would take home. The tiny White pup choose us. When I held him for the first time he just snuggled into me and I knew he was mine. Our nephew Corbin came up with the name Kasper because he was white like Casper the friendly ghost.

Kasper always knew what I needed. I had recently lost my vision and was dealing with living my life in the dark. If I needed companionship, comfort, or a good laugh he was there to fill that need. He knew when to be my lap dog and when to pile dog toys at my feet. There has never been a dog with so much personality. He was so smart and considerate to my feelings. He helped me to find myself and not feel like I was alone in the dark. He made life bearable for me. He was like an Angel that lifted me out of depression and sorrow. He helped me to gain courage and decide that I could be the mother and the wife I always wanted to be. I would not let my blindness determine the things that I wanted out of my life. He gave me hope and purpose that I needed so badly.

When our first daughter Peyton was born he knew exactly what to do. He allowed me the time I needed with my daughter and knew when it was nap time that I was all his. He was so cute with her. Almost every picture we have of her playing on the floor as a baby Kasper is at her side. He was just as protective of her as he was of me. Mom was her first word and her second was "Kapper". She would call for him every morning and he would jump off the bed and run to her crib.

When our son Kaison was born Kasper was just like a shadow behind him. He would follow him every where he went. If Kai was out playing outside Kasper was at his side. If Kasper went out the doggy door to water the lawn Kai would crawl out after him. They were such good friends. Kai loved Kasper like only a little boy can love a dog. If we ever needed Kai to come home from the park all we needed to do was tell Kasper to go get him and he would go to the park and find him. Then Kai would bring him home.

When Carter was born Kasper was was in the twilight of his years but still found energy to play with his new playmate. Even though his hips were failing he would still make time to run around the house and make our little one giggle. There is no greater love than a boy and his dog.

I don't think I could explain to someone how much Kasper means to me. Those type of feelings could not be expressed in words. My son Kai put it best when he said, "I feel like my heart is breaking". I know there is a special place in heaven for him, and I can wait to be with him once again. He changed my life forever. Thank you Kasper. I love you.