Biography of Abigail of Southland "Abby"
(10/21/98 - 7/21/06)

Abby was born at Southland Kennels in Stafford, Virginia.

Abby had a wonderful life. It was both meaningful and filled with fun and excitement.

She was raised to be a therapy dog, coming to work with me from the day I got her at 10 weeks old until we joined FIDOS FOR FREEDOM in 2000. She enjoyed bringing smiles to all of the children and adults she met on our many hospital, nursing home, and demonstration visits. She was voted Best All Around Dog at FIDOS and passed both agility and retrieve classes.

Outside of "work", Abby enjoyed being the *star* wherever she went. She had many friends, both two and four-legged. She loved her daily walks along Rock Creek as well as hiking (she could climb like a billy-goat), diving and swimming, 'fishing' for treats, playing in the sand and ocean waves, kayaking, traveling and visiting friends and family. I often referred to her as a Labrador Deceiver because she didn't retrieve anything - unless it involved a treat. Food was her biggest joy!

I said good-bye to Abby in July. She fought bravely and lived happily since being diagnosed with Lymphoma five months earlier. And while terribly sad, it was the compassionate thing to do for my best friend.

I am fortunate to have had her in my life. She opened up opportunities for me to meet so many amazing people and I am very fortunate to have these wonderful friendships.

I have many, many pictures of our fun times together and these will remind me to smile and appreciate what I was lucky enough to have. I count my blessings that I was able to have shared my life with her for 7 1/2 wonderful years.