Strider 11.02.01 to 10.16.09
Our hearts go out to our next door neighbors Brian, Aileen, and Alex Grabill who lost a dear family member yesterday. Since moving into our home 2 years ago Strider had become not only a friend, but also an unofficial member of our family. We would often buy him treats that Isaac and Briana would feed him through the backyard fence. They would play with him and snuggle him every time they got the chance. They also loved his tricks.
He was a great, gentle dog and loved my kids.
I will miss seeing him sitting in the backyard, staring at my house, waiting for us to come outside with the treats. I know that the kids (and David and I too) will miss him a bunch.
Since their blog is private, I copied this directly from it and posted it below:
(I hope they don't mind)
"Words cannot express the depth of loss we feel today as we report that our beloved four-legged son, Strider, has passed away. What started as what we believed was the typical "ate something he shouldn't have" tummy distressed turned into a discovery of a malignant cancer that was running through his body. A large mass attached the wall of his abdomen and numerous masses in his GI tract. There was no option to remove the large mass and based on consultation with the Vet Surgeon and we determined the best option was to let him go peacefully.
Strider was the kind of Labrador that made those that met him want a Labrador. He was kind, gentle, wise, noble, soft, and laid back (that last one was very unlabrador like!). He taught us so much - more than most humans in our lives - he made us better parents for Alex. better friends, and better people. He impacted every life he touched. Please share a word, a thought, a story, or a feeling to add to this obituary.
Strider. We love you so very much. Thank you for all that you did for us. We don't want to continue with life without you, but we must, we will, and we will keep you in our hearts (and on our black clothing for some time)."
& Abby Cadabby 
Isaac had a great time in class with their 1st grade Halloween Party!
The story behind the Hot Dog: Every time we would go to a store to try to decide what the kids were going to be Briana would always tell David that she wanted him to be "the hot dog man" so David finally found the costume (believe it or not most places were sold out of it) and surprised Briana by showing up in it today. Isaac didn't know that David was coming to his party and was happily surprised when he did!
