Abby

Abby (Celticpride’s Sugar and Spice CGN RN)

October 31, 2013 – October 10, 2025

Abby was my first dog — and from the very beginning, she filled my life with lightness and levity. I remember a friend saying to me, “You’re like a kid with a dog for the first time.” I really was. Because of her, my world felt fuller – more alive with wonder, love, and joy. She helped keep me grounded too. In a world that can be so hard, Abby was(and still is) a constant reminder to keep my heart soft.

In her early years, she had her short stint as a show dog. She earned her Canine Good Neighbour title, her Rally Obedience Novice level, and together we did agility and scent hurdling. She loved fetch and could always go for another round. She loved swimming and looked like the cutest little beaver in the lake. She was always up for showing another dog she could over take them with her speed too. Abby was always ready and always up for the next adventure.

When our family grew, so did she.Gracefully, she stepped into the role of big sister..no longer the only “fur-born,” but still our heart, our core, our beginning. She watched over us all with quiet loyalty and was the happiest when her whole pack was together. Whenever we went out, she would greet us with her big smile, like she was keeping our home warm for every one of us. For such a small dog, she was truly the unsung supportive MVP – always there, always near, weaving and fitting herself into every part of our lives. Through every chapter, she stood beside us – steady, loving, calming, and constant.

Wherever Abby went, she brought brightness. She was always able to work a room and make friends whenever she went. Every part of her was endearing from her ‘c’ shaped curve butt wiggle asking for bum scratches, her huge grinning smile, ridiculously cute excited yawn, and her silly pre poop spin dance ritual.

We almost lost her when she was 5 and when Keirin was a baby — we were fortunate as the surgery saved and more than doubled her life. We were given the gift of more time and I am forever grateful. When we heard her final diagnosis, we scrambled to cherish the time we had left. We revisited a few favorite places in Vernon and the four of us cuddle rallied around our Abby.

Even as her body failed, I could feel her holding on for us — giving us every last bit of herself for a bit longer. When she had a stroke that final evening, we knew it was her body telling us she was ready. In her final trip to the vet, we held her close, surrounded her with love, and she left very peacefully. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I’m deeply grateful for the honor of being with her when her spirit was set free.

When I think back in the course of our lives…the big memories are beautiful… and there are so many – but it’s the little moments I miss the most.
The zoomies when we got home.
The smile she gave to her people.
Her eyes locked on me while I worked — my little work buddy.
The way she helped with the kids’ bedtime routine, as if it were her job too.
Seeing her tail wag when I would go to put on her clothes.
The sound of her dainty paws on the floor. The disapproving groans when she realized the table scraps were done.
The weight of her chin and head on my lap. Her being our little shadow wherever we went.
Her presence in the kitchen and how she was always hopeful for a little something.
Her beautiful amber eyes locking in with yours like she was connecting on a soul to soul level with you.

Having her love makes me always feel strong, supported, and never alone. She integrated herself into our days so seamlessly and so beautifully. We were the lucky ones. To walk beside her, to share this life, to know her kind of love. She added a little bit of sugar and spice to our world, our sweet Abby girl. Always loved, always remembered. My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift of being your dog mom. Keirin, Kilian, Chad and I miss her so much.

Until we meet again Abigail.