10/28/2026
We named him Kooper Kemp back in 2014. We drove 7 hours to choose him and another 7 hours to bring him home. But 14 hours was nothing compared to the immense joy he brought to our lives for the next 12 years.
Today we laid him to rest. Cancer took him from us so, so quickly.
But wait! We had so many plans… Trick-or-Treaters to see Saturday, annual family pictures to take on Thanksgiving, Christmas, a wedding in the new year and a baby to welcome too!! How can this be??!! Our hearts are broken.
To be honest, he was a menace his first 4 years, wrecking havoc stealing shoes and counter surfing. Puppy shenanigans, yes, but mainly seeking our attention. We just didn’t understand how much he needed to be a true part of our family. Once he was included, he was the best dog ever. No joke! The BEST!!
He needed to be part of our family. And without realizing it, we really needed him too. I believe we are better humans having had him in our lives. He taught us so much about how to love unconditionally, selflessly.
He turned 12 last Friday and we are thankful we got to celebrate his birthday. We consider ourselves blessed to have him for these 12 years. Still…we will miss him terribly.
-Dana and family
📸The Legacy Project — Kalen Kemp