In August 2001, I was presented with a spunky, red-yellow Labrador named Katela. She was my new guide dog. She was to be my eyes so that our travels would be safe and easy, my best friend and constant companion. Katela and I had many adventures together. She went with me to Laughlin a few times and spent a lot of fun times with her other guide dog pals, to San Diego to visit the San Diego Zoo and many visits to Disneyland. She went on a few attractions and liked †It†s a Small World†. She even got to meet Pluto face to face and was very curious about him! She really loved people and always had her tail up and wagging. When at work, Katela would sleep in the isle to keep a watch on everyone in my row. She didn†t want to miss anything! Like all labs, Katela LOVED food! One of her favorite foods were Banana†s! She could smell a banana from 50 paces and would go investigate when I wasn†t looking. She would wonder off and visit other departments in my office just to say †hello†. She had a lot of personality and was so very sweet! When she laid down, she would be a frog-dog and have her back legs out. I had never seen a big dog lay like that before. Whenever we were out, I knew without looking what she had done. People were always so fascinated with her and it caused quite a scene no matter where we were. People would come over and take pictures of her laying like that. In December 2009, Katela was diagnosed with some Kidney distress and arthritis in her back. In February 2010, she was retired from being an active working guide dog to being a dog of leisure. My sister and her family adopted Katela and she had a huge backyard to enjoy and had a little mound of grass she loved best. I wanted her to have a good life enjoying retirement and she did. In February 2011, we found a growth/tumor in her mouth that was cancer. In just a few months, the cancer had gone to her lungs and she had another growth in her mouth. Her breathing became more and more difficult until we decided it was time for her to rest. It was the hardest decision I have ever made and still struggle with guilt but I know she is not in pain and I will see her again in heaven. What a blessing and joy these dogs bring to our lives! They protect us from harm and make it possible for us to have full, exciting lives and be independent and safe. They love you so much, even when you are having a bad day and are always so happy to see you when you come home. Even if its been 10 minutes or a few hours. Their quiet presence brings so much joy to our lives. They work for us as our guide dogs but receive so much love in return. I have had people feel so sorry for Katela because she was a †working dog†but in reality, she had a very exciting life. She was out with me all day at work, going to the store, going on vacations with me and received so much love because I loved her so very much! She was spoiled a little too. She could sleep on my bed or the couch and always had bones to chew on and toys to play with and I was always very affectionate to her. She was a wonderful dog that will be missed every day for the rest of my life. I hope you enjoy reading about Katela and my many thanks for those who donated to make this memorial something wonderful to honor Katela! May you find new joy and happiness with your wonderful pets!