Esther was born on May 5, 2011, and for the past 15 years she has been my best friend, faithful companion, protector, and partner in life's many adventures. Through every chapter—both joyful and difficult—she was there. She watched over me by seeing and hearing everything before I ever could, always making me feel safe. No matter the day, she greeted me with unconditional love, gentle companionship, and her signature butterfly kisses.

Esther's life was far bigger than our home. She became part of the healing journeys of countless people who had the privilege of knowing her. She was not only my dog; she was a gifted therapy dog whose quiet presence changed lives.

One of my favorite stories involves a young man with cognitive disabilities who had endured severe abuse as a child. He lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight, struggling to trust anyone enough to allow them into his space. Esther patiently earned that trust. She helped him leave his room, take walks outside, and eventually ride in a van for trips to the drive-through at McDonald's. She would sit beside him in the back seat, and whenever he became anxious, she would gently kiss his face and make him laugh. Over time, his confidence grew to the point that he was able to walk into a convenience store and buy his own soda. Esther helped make that possible.

Throughout her life, Esther wore many hats. She was a cow dog, a beloved family dog, a Canine Good Citizen, a Novice Trick Dog, an agility dog, and an animal-assisted therapy dog. She shared her gifts at the Redfield Developmental Center, Black Hills Works, the Crisis Care Center, and Suzette Wasvick Counseling Services. She loved many people and, truth be told, she also let a few know they should keep their distance.

Esther was also a mother and grandmother. She raised three litters of her own and became grandmother to four more litters. Her descendants now live across the United States and Canada, extending her legacy from coast to coast.

To know Esther was to love her. Her wisdom, intuition, loyalty, and gentle spirit touched more lives than I will ever know. I cannot adequately express how blessed I feel to have shared these years with her, nor can I imagine how deeply I will miss her.

Thank you to everyone who loved Esther, worked with her, laughed with her, and allowed her to be part of your journey. Your love enriched her life as much as she enriched ours.

Esther was laid to rest on the evening of June 12, 2026, in my loving arms, with Joy by her side, as we sat together by the campfire at her home.

Run free, sweet girl. Thank you for every adventure, every lesson, every laugh, and every butterfly kiss. You will always be loved and never forgotten.