August 29th

I can't believe how quickly the time has flown.

One year ago I lost my sister Brandy Even in a tragic campground accident. Brandy became part of our family in December of 2007 and filled our lives with joy for nearly four years.

My parents had just arrived to a campsite in Eastern Oregon when they set up their camp equipment and my mom and Brandy set out for a walk. No more than 5 minutes into their walk, three off-leash dogs from another campsite rushed over to inspect our beautiful blonde. Within moments they went into "pack mode" and circled, yipped, jumped over and frightened Brandy so badly that we suspect she had a heart attack as she became unresponsive immediately. I can't imagine the sight and still feel deeply sorry for my mother who had to witness the event.

Although they had just arrived, my parents drove the five hours back to Portland so that I could say goodbye to my sister and so that they didn't have to stay at the campsite a moment longer. It was an incredibly emotional night for all of us, including my brother who we called during his Tuesday morning in Luxembourg.

I'm angry at the owner who left her three dogs off-leash and was heartless when she'd seen the result of her careless actions.

I'm sad that we lost such a beautiful girl who meant the world to our family.

I'm thankful that she had a wonderful life and there were no regrets about the time that we spent with her.

I'm blessed that the loss of her led us to finding our newest family member, Bailey Even.

Brandy loved to stay the night with me when I would visit my parents, she adored and loved her stuffed animals, she lit up with excitement when she'd see us and she only became more adventurous with age. I had the opportunity to watch her often while my parents whisked away on vacation and I envisioned her carrying the rings to the altar in my someday wedding. She meant so much to me and my family.

Brandy, you're a fine girl!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-tRXewCAmU&w=420&h=315]

Family Naps

Tiny Paws

$pendy Doo!

Smiling : )

Sister Snuggles

Dairy Queen in the Eye

Trillium Lake - Wow!

We miss you so very much, sister!

<3 JE