Kona was a unique and wonderful dog. He and I had a bond that was so tight we could anticipate and understand what each other wanted or needed. Unfortunately, Kona suffered with an autoimmune disorder that created many physical problems for him. But through it all he was kind, generous and always ready to help me when I needed it. His sense of humor was wonderful. You never knew what he was going to do next. As a service dog I could not ask for a better partner than Kona. His patience with me when I didn't want to listen to him was unending. If he thought I was doing too much he would put a stop to it even if it meant standing on a power cord so I could not mow or taking the rake in his mouth and doing it for me. At other times he would grab hold of my arm and pull until I gave up and quit what I was doing. He would then bounce around with a smile and bark and want to play his favorite game of "keep away". We played for many hours in the back yard when we were not just sitting under the shade of the cherry tree and enjoying the soft breeze of the early evening.

As he got older and the physical problems started to emerge more and more, he still fought through the pain and gave his all to me. His patience with the many vet visits was unending and he was always willing to do whatever was asked of him no matter how uncomfortable he was.

Kona and I went many places and explored lots of different types of outdoor spaces. He never had any one particular favorite. Everywhere we went was a new adventure for him. Whether it was chasing squirrels, herding ducks and geese or just sniffing around he always had a great time. After a day of exploring and roaming the forests, plains and beaches of Oregon, we would come home and he would lay on his bed in front of the couch where I could stroke his silky fur and let him know how much I loved him.

Kona was my everything and I will miss his love, kindness, generosity, humor and his love of life. I know that he is now in a better place where there is no more pain for him and he is racing through fields of green with his playmates. Kona you are loved and missed.