It is with great sadness that I write this letter to inform you of Mercedes’ passing. Mercedes (Buttons/Cede) was adopted with her brother Sarge, in 2010. After they were returned, I was her foster and we officially began our journey together in March 2011. Mercedes was my bestfriend and sidekick every day since. We went hiking, swimming, running, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating together. We would even spend the occasional afternoon lounging at a winery after a morning hike. During the winter months, she would keep active by running on my treadmill, playing frisbee or learning to ride a skateboard. She was my number one fan as we travelled to Chattanooga, TN so I could compete in my first Ironman. Even thought it was mostly just the two of us, my entire family loved and cared for her. She enjoyed spending many weekends with Grandma and Grandpa chasing squirrels, rabbits and skunks (she never learned!). As she got older, her favorite pastime became cuddling. She made the best cuddle buddy and I found so much comfort in her soft snores. But as all dog owners know, we will outlive our furbabies, and we must face one of the worst days of our lives. Mercedes fought cancer, liver disease and Cushings as long as her little body could, but then she let me know it was time for her to rest. We said good-bye January 3, 2020. Roughly twenty-four hours later, as she was always such a good girl, she sent me the most beautiful, vivid rainbow across the entire neighborhood to let me know she was finally at peace. I miss her every day, but find great comfort in knowing she had the best life I could give her. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, laughs and endless energy Mercedes, I am forever grateful that you chose me to be your human. – Kimberly